Suppression and Revival of Weak Localization through Control of Time-Reversal Symmetry

TL;DR

This paper demonstrates a novel method to control weak localization in disordered ultra-cold atom systems by manipulating time-reversal symmetry, enabling new studies of quantum interference effects.

Contribution

It introduces a technique to suppress and revive weak localization through a short dephasing pulse, advancing experimental control over quantum interference phenomena.

Findings

Observation of suppression and revival of coherent backscattering.

Control of weak localization via time-reversal symmetry manipulation.

Potential extension to study Anderson localization.

Abstract

We report on the observation of suppression and revival of coherent backscattering of ultra-cold atoms launched in an optical disorder and submitted to a short dephasing pulse, as proposed in a recent paper of T. Micklitz \textit{et al.} [arXiv:1406.6915]. This observation, in a quasi-2D geometry, demonstrates a novel and general method to study weak localization by manipulating time reversal symmetry in disordered systems. In future experiments, this scheme could be extended to investigate higher order localization processes at the heart of Anderson (strong) localization.