A Quantum Optical Spring

TL;DR

This paper investigates the quantum optical spring, revealing revivals and fractional revivals in its dynamics, and compares quantum and semiclassical behaviors, highlighting the impact of quantum-driven systems.

Contribution

It introduces the concept of a quantum optical spring with discrete spring constant jumps depending on a quantum system's state, and analyzes its unique dynamical features.

Findings

Revivals and fractional revivals observed in quantum optical spring dynamics

Quantum optical spring behavior differs significantly from classical oscillators

Semi-classical limit recovers known oscillator frequency change results

Abstract

We study the dynamics of the quantum optical spring, i.e., a spring whose spring constant undergoes discreet jumps depending on the quantum state of another system. We show the existence of revivals and fractional revivals in the quantum dynamics reminiscent of similar dynamical features in cavity QED. We recover in the semi classical limit the results for an oscillator whose frequency undergoes a sudden change. The quantum optical spring is conceivable for example by a micromirror under the influence of radiation pressure by a field which is strictly quantum. Our work suggests that driven systems would in general exhibit a very different dynamics if the drive is replaced by a quantum source.