Time-dependent level crossing models solvable in terms of the confluent Heun functions

TL;DR

This paper introduces new solvable models for the quantum two-state problem using confluent Heun functions, expanding the class of exactly solvable time-dependent field configurations with applications to resonance crossings and pulse shaping.

Contribution

It generalizes known solvable models by identifying fifteen parametric families involving confluent Heun functions, including models with complex detuning and amplitude modulations.

Findings

Identified fifteen new parametric families of solvable models

Derived closed-form solutions for Lorentzian pulse excitation

Explored symmetry and asymmetry in detuning and amplitude modulations

Abstract

We discuss the level-crossing field configurations for which the quantum time-dependent two-state problem is solvable in terms of the confluent Heun functions. We show that these configurations belong to fifteen four-parametric families of models that generalize all the known 3- and 2-parametric families for which the problem is solvable in terms of the Gauss hypergeometric and the Kummer confluent hypergeometric functions. Analyzing the general case of variable Rabi frequency and frequency detuning we mention that the most notable features of the models provided by the derived classes are due to the extra constant term in the detuning modulation function. Due to this term the classes suggest numerous symmetric or asymmetric chirped pulses and a variety of models with two crossings of the frequency resonance. The latter models are generated by both real and complex transformations of the independent variable. In general, the resulting detuning functions are asymmetric, the asymmetry being controlled by the parameters of the detuning modulation function. In some cases, however, the asymmetry may be additionally caused by the amplitude modulation function. We present an example of the latter possibility and additionally mention a constant amplitude model with periodically repeated resonance-crossings. Finally, we discuss the excitation of a two-level atom by a pulse of Lorentzian shape with a detuning providing one or two crossings of the resonance. Using a series expansion of the solution of the confluent Heun equation in terms of the Kummer hypergeometric functions we derive particular closed form solutions of the two-state problem for this field configuration. The particular sets of the involved parameters for which these solutions are obtained define curves in the 3D space of the involved parameters belonging to the complete return spectrum of the considered two-state quantum system.