Quantum recoil effects in finite-time disentanglement of two distinguishable atoms

TL;DR

This paper investigates how photon recoil influences finite-time disentanglement in two distinguishable atoms, revealing conditions where recoil can prevent or induce disentanglement depending on atomic distance and initial states.

Contribution

It demonstrates the significant impact of photon recoil on finite-time disentanglement, highlighting scenarios where recoil prevents or causes disentanglement in distinguishable atoms.

Findings

Photon recoil strongly affects finite-time disentanglement.

Disentanglement can be prevented by recoil effects.

Disentanglement times depend on atomic distance and initial states.

Abstract

Starting from the requirement of distinguishability of two atoms by their positions, it is shown that photon recoil has a strong influence on finite-time disentanglement and in some cases prevents its appearance. At near-field inter atomic distances well localized atoms, with maximally one atom being initially excited, may suffer disentanglement at a single finite time or even at a series of equidistant finite times, depending on their mean inter atomic distance and their initial electronic preparation.