Resonances of the Quantum $\delta$-Kicked Accelerator

TL;DR

This paper reports the experimental observation of high-order quantum resonances in a delta-kicked accelerator using a Bose-Einstein condensate, revealing new quantum accelerator modes near fractional Talbot times and providing a theoretical framework.

Contribution

It introduces the first observation of quantum accelerator modes near 1/4 and 1/3 of the Talbot time, advancing understanding of fractional Talbot effects in quantum chaos.

Findings

Observation of quantum accelerator modes near 1/4 and 1/3 Talbot time

Detailed structure of modes studied using BEC

Development of a general theory predicting mode behavior

Abstract

We report the observation of high order resonances of the quantum $\delta$-kicked accelerator using a BEC kicked by a standing wave of light. The signature of these resonances is the existence of quantum accelerator modes. For the first time quantum accelerator modes were seen near 1/4 and 1/3 of the Talbot time. Using a BEC enabled us to study the detailed structure of the modes and resonances which are related to the fractional Talbot effect. We present a general theory for this system and apply it to predict the behavior of the accelerator modes.