Abstract:
We present a method for the direct measurement of the Wigner-function matrix for complex vibronic states of a trapped atom, that is suited to analyse the entanglement between two motional degrees of freedom and the internal electronic dynamics. It is a generalisation of the method for the determination of vibronic quantum states [S. Wallentowitz, R.L. de Matos Filho, W. Vogel, Phys. Rev. A 56, 1205 (1997)] in conjunction with the scheme for the direct observation of the Wigner function of a single motional degree of freedom [L.G. Lutterbach, L. Davidovich, Phys. Rev. Lett. 78, 2547 (1997)]. The major advantage of the present method is that it reduces the experimental efforts substantially. On the other hand, it is demonstrated that the nonlinear vibronic coupling necessary for this method turns out to be its main limitation.
Similar content being viewed by others
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Additional information
Received: 5 August 1998
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Wallentowitz, S., de Matos Filho, R., Gou, SC. et al. Reconstruction of the two-mode vibronic quantum state of a trapped atom. Eur. Phys. J. D 6, 397–405 (1999). https://doi.org/10.1007/s100530050323
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s100530050323