Coherence-induced quantum forces

TL;DR

This paper proposes a quantum force model based on coherence and interference effects, explaining correlation-assisted tunneling and its dependence on the quantum state of matter.

Contribution

It introduces a novel quantum force model linked to coherence, explaining phenomena like correlation-assisted tunneling and its variation across different quantum states.

Findings

Quantum force depends on coherence between fragments.

Force maximizes in superfluid states, vanishes in Mott insulators.

Impacts transport in cold atom systems and optical lattices.

Abstract

We introduce a model that explains the phenomenon of correlation-assisted tunneling and puts it in a broader context. This model assumes the existence of an effective force of pure quantum nature between nearby fragments of correlated matter that results due to interference effects. The magnitude of this force depends on the amount of coherence between different locations; it attains a maximum value for fragments in a perfect superfluid state and disappears entirely when the fragments are in the Mott Insulator state. The force can also be explained in terms of the Bohmian quantum potential. We illustrate the implications of this force on the transport of cold atoms through simple potential structures, the triple-well harmonic trap and optical lattices.