Observation of Anomalous Moir\'e Patterns

TL;DR

This paper reveals that one-dimensional finite-size systems can produce anomalous moiré patterns with unique features like rigidity and singularities, offering new insights into periodic phenomena in classical and quantum systems.

Contribution

It demonstrates, both theoretically and experimentally with ultracold atoms, that moiré patterns can form from constituents with identical periodicity, showing unexpected properties.

Findings

Moiré patterns can arise from constituents with the same periodicity.

Anomalous features such as rigidity and singularities are observed.

Universal properties in the frequency domain are identified.

Abstract

Moir\'e patterns are omnipresent. They are important for any overlapping periodic phenomenon, from vibrational and electromagnetic, to condensed matter. Here we show, both theoretically and via experimental simulations by ultracold atoms, that for one-dimensional finite-size periodic systems, moir\'e patterns give rise to anomalous features in both classical and quantum systems. In contrast to the standard moir\'e phenomenon, in which the pattern periodicity is a result of a beat-note between its constituents, we demonstrate moir\'e patterns formed from constituents with the same periodicity. Surprisingly, we observe, in addition, rigidity and singularities. We furthermore uncover universal properties in the frequency domain, which might serve as a novel probe of emitters. These one-dimensional effects could be relevant to a wide range of periodic phenomena.