Non-relativistic limit in the 2+1 Dirac Oscillator: A Ramsey Interferometry Effect

TL;DR

This paper explores the non-relativistic limit of the 2+1 Dirac oscillator, revealing a novel Zitterbewegung effect that causes observable orbital deformation, interpreted through Ramsey and Mach-Zehnder interferometry concepts.

Contribution

It uncovers a new non-relativistic Zitterbewegung phenomenon in the Dirac oscillator, linking relativistic quantum mechanics with quantum optics via interferometric interpretations.

Findings

Discovery of a persistent Zitterbewegung in the non-relativistic regime.

Interpretation of the effect as a Ramsey Interferometric phenomenon.

Explanation of spin-orbit Zitterbewegung corrections using Mach-Zehnder interferometry.

Abstract

We study the non-relativistic limit of a paradigmatic model in Relativistic Quantum Mechanics, the two-dimensional Dirac oscillator. Remarkably, we find a novel kind of Zitterbewegung which persists in this non-relativistic regime, and leads to an observable deformation of the particle orbit. This effect can be interpreted in terms of a Ramsey Interferometric phenomenon, allowing an insightful connection between Relativistic Quantum Mechanics and Quantum Optics. Furthermore, subsequent corrections to the non-relativistic limit, which account for the usual spin-orbit Zitterbewegung, can be neatly understood in terms of a Mach-Zehnder interferometer.