Relaxation dynamics of a Fermi gas in an optical superlattice

TL;DR

This study explores how a Fermi gas evolves over time after rapid and slow changes in a one-dimensional optical superlattice, revealing local equilibrium-like behavior but global non-equilibrium dynamics.

Contribution

It combines experimental and theoretical approaches to analyze the relaxation dynamics of a Fermi gas in an optical superlattice, highlighting local versus global behavior.

Findings

Local observables resemble equilibrium states in steady state

Global properties indicate strong non-equilibrium behavior

Differentiates local tunneling from global dynamics

Abstract

This paper comprises an experimental and theoretical investigation of the time evolution of a Fermi gas following fast and slow quenches of a one-dimensional optical double-well superlattice potential. We investigate both the local tunneling in the connected double wells and the global dynamics towards a steady state. The local observables in the steady-state resemble those of an equilibrium state, whereas the global properties indicate a strong non-equilibrium situation.