Semiclassical catastrophes and accumulative angular squeezing of a kicked quantum rotor

Details Semiclassical catastrophes and accumulative angular squeezing of a kicked quantum rotor Semiclassical catastrophes and accumulative angular squeezing of a kicked quantum rotor

2003-06-22

arxiv.org/abs/quant-ph/0306146v1

Phys. Rev. A 69, 032102 (2004)

Physics

Quantum Physics

22 pages, 12 postscript figures, 2 jpeg figures

Scientific paper

10.1103/PhysRevA.69.032102

We present a detailed theory of spectacular semiclassical catastrophes happening during the time evolution of a kicked quantum rotor (Phys.Rev. Lett. {\bf 87}, 163601 (2001)). Both two- and three-dimensional rotational systems are analyzed. It is shown that the wave function of the rotor develops a {\em cusp} at a certain delay after a kick, which results in a sharply focused rotational wave packet. The {\em cusp} is followed by a fold-type catastrophe manifested in the {\em rainbow}-like moving angular singularities. In the three-dimensional case, the rainbows are accompanied by additional singular features similar to {\em glory} structures known in wave optics. These catastrophes in the time-dependent angular wave function are well described by the appropriate tools of the quasiclassical wave mechanics, i.e. by Airy and Bessel approximations and Pearcey's functions. A scenario of "accumulative squeezing" is also presented in which a specially designed train of short kicks produces an unlimited narrowing of the rotor angular distribution. This scenario is relevant for the molecular alignment by short laser pulses, and also for atom lithography schemes in which cold atoms are focused by an optical standing wave.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

No associations

Rating

Semiclassical catastrophes and accumulative angular squeezing of a kicked quantum rotor does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.

If you have personal experience with Semiclassical catastrophes and accumulative angular squeezing of a kicked quantum rotor, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Semiclassical catastrophes and accumulative angular squeezing of a kicked quantum rotor will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-154215