Scattering of quantum wave packets by shallow potential islands: A quantum lens

TL;DR

This paper demonstrates that quantum scattering of localized wave packets by shallow Gaussian potentials in two dimensions can be understood through an analogy with optical lens focusing, revealing a quantum lens effect.

Contribution

It introduces a novel analogy between quantum wave packet scattering and optical lens behavior, providing a new perspective on quantum interference phenomena.

Findings

Quantum interference mimics classical lens equations.

Wave packets focus or defocus similarly to light rays.

The analogy offers insights into quantum scattering dynamics.

Abstract

We consider the problem of quantum scattering of a localized wave packet by a weak Gaussian potential in two spatial dimensions. We show that, under certain conditions, this problem bears close analogy with that of focusing (or defocusing) of light rays by a thin optical lens: Quantum interference between straight paths yields the same lens equation as for refracted rays in classical optics.