Experimental demonstration of photonic quantum ratchet

TL;DR

This paper demonstrates a photonic quantum ratchet using an all-optical system, showcasing observable ratchet effects and quantum resonance, and introduces a new way to simulate quantum phenomena with classical light.

Contribution

It presents an experimental setup for a photonic quantum ratchet and a novel method to simulate quantum effects using classical light.

Findings

Ratchet effects observed over 22 steps

Quantum resonance demonstrated

Method enables simulation of quantum phenomena with classical light

Abstract

We created a potential for light with a phase mirror and then experimentally realized a photonic quantum ratchet in an all-optical system, in which ratchet effects can be observed with the naked eye up to more than 22 steps, and quantum resonance can be demonstrated. Our method also provides a new means to simulate quantum particles with classical light, and it can be applied to investigate many other quantum phenomena.