Quantum to classical transport transition and a decoherence detection method in driven optical lattices

Area of Science:

• Atomic physics
• Quantum optics
• Condensed matter physics

Background:

• Atomic quantum systems, including atomic clocks and qubits, are crucial in academia and industry.
• Cold atoms in tweezer arrays are a key platform for exploring quantum phenomena.

Purpose of the Study:

• To theoretically study and experimentally demonstrate quantum tunneling of atoms in 1D optical lattices under decoherence.
• To investigate the impact of decoherence on atomic wave packet expansion and resonance spectrum.
• To propose a method for fast evaluation of decoherence in these systems.

Main Methods:

• Theoretical modeling of quantum tunneling in optical lattices with decoherence.
• Experimental demonstration using cold atoms in 1D optical lattices.
• Analysis of atomic wave packet evolution and resonance spectrum changes with decoherence rate (L) and modulation time (t).

Main Results:

• Decoherence suppresses atomic wave packet expansion and broadens the resonance spectrum.
• Increasing decoherence rate (L) or modulation time (t) drives a transition from coherent tunneling to classical diffusion.
• A novel detection method for evaluating decoherence degree was successfully proposed and demonstrated.

Conclusions:

• Decoherence significantly alters quantum tunneling dynamics in atomic systems.
• The proposed detection method offers a fast way to assess decoherence in optical lattice experiments.
• This research advances the understanding of decoherence in precision measurements utilizing optical lattices.