Multiple scattering induced negative refraction of matter waves

TL;DR

This paper demonstrates that negative refraction indices can be achieved for matter waves through multiple scattering, enabling perfect transmission and potential applications like superlenses and cloaking in quantum systems.

Contribution

It introduces a fundamental approach to realize negative refraction for matter waves using multiple scattering theory, with explicit examples in 1D and 3D systems.

Findings

Negative refraction indices are feasible for matter waves.

Negative refraction allows perfect wave transmission.

Potential extension to quantum superlenses and cloaking devices.

Abstract

Starting from fundamental multiple scattering theory it is shown that negative refraction indices are feasible for matter waves passing a well-defined ensemble of scatterers. A simple approach to this topic is presented and explicit examples for systems of scatterers in 1D and 3D are stated that imply negative refraction for a generic incoming quantum wave packet. Essential features of the effective scattering field, densities and frequency spectrum of scatterers are considered. Additionally it is shown that negative refraction indices allow perfect transmission of the wave passing the ensemble of scatterers. Finally the concept of the superlens is discussed, since it is based on negative refraction and can be extended to matter waves utilizing the observations presented in this paper. This paves the way for 'untouchable' quantum systems in analogy to cloaking devices for electromagnetic waves.