Time bound of atomic adiabatic evolution in the accelerated optical lattice

TL;DR

This paper derives and experimentally verifies a time bound for adiabatic evolution of ultra-cold atoms in an accelerated optical lattice, aiding the design of quantum sensing devices.

Contribution

It provides a new theoretical time bound for atomic adiabatic evolution and experimentally confirms its validity in an accelerated optical lattice.

Findings

Experimental results match theoretical predictions.

The time bound effectively predicts adiabaticity in the system.

Framework aids parameter selection for quantum sensing applications.

Abstract

The accelerated optical lattice has emerged as a valuable technique for the investigation of quantum transport physics and has found widespread application in quantum sensing, including atomic gravimeters and atomic gyroscopes. In our study, we focus on the adiabatic evolution of ultra-cold atoms within an accelerated optical lattice. Specifically, we derive a time bound that delimits the duration of atomic adiabatic evolution in the oscillating system under consideration. To experimentally substantiate the theoretical predictions, precise measurements to instantaneous band populations were conducted within a one-dimensional accelerated optical lattice, encompassing systematic variations in both lattice's depths and accelerations. The obtained experimental results demonstrate a quantitatively consistent correspondence with the anticipated theoretical expressions. Afterwards, the atomic velocity distributions are also measured to compare with the time bound. This research offers a quantitative framework for the selection of parameters that ensure atom trapped throughout the acceleration process. Moreover, it contributes an experimental criterion by which to assess the adequacy of adiabatic conditions in an oscillating system, thereby augmenting the current understanding of these systems from a theoretical perspective.