Localization of matter waves in lattice systems with moving disorder

TL;DR

This paper investigates a unique localized phase of matter waves in a one-dimensional lattice with a slowly moving disordered potential, highlighting its distinct properties from traditional Anderson localization and discussing possible experimental detection.

Contribution

It introduces the concept of a sliding localized phase caused by moving disorder, which is not robust to interactions but persists under slow perturbations, expanding understanding of localization phenomena.

Findings

Localized phase follows the moving potential without diffusion

The phase is sensitive to interactions and perturbations

Interference effects under incommensurate quasi-periodic potentials explain localization

Abstract

We study the localization phenomena in a one-dimensional lattice system with a uniformly moving disordered potential. At a low moving velocity, we find a sliding localized phase in which the initially localized matter wave adiabatically follows the moving potential without diffusion, thus resulting in an initial state memory in the many-body dynamics. Such an intriguing localized phase distinguishes itself from the standard Anderson localization in two aspects: it is not robust against interaction, but persists in the presence of slowly varying perturbations. Such a sliding localized phase can be understood as a consequence of interference between the wavepacket paths under moving quasi-periodic potentials with various periods that are incommensurate with the lattice constant. The experimental realization and detection were also discussed..