Signatures of Strong Momentum Localization via Translational-Internal Entanglement

TL;DR

This paper predicts a transition in atoms or molecules from diffusive momentum behavior to strong localization due to internal-translational entanglement, observable through interference pattern changes.

Contribution

It introduces a novel mechanism linking internal-translational entanglement to momentum localization and predicts a measurable crossover in atomic systems.

Findings

Crossover from diffusion to localization in momentum distribution

Interference pattern changes as a signature of localization

Role of internal-translational entanglement in quantum dynamics

Abstract

We show that atoms or molecules subject to fields that couple their internal and translational (momentum) states may undergo a crossover from randomization (diffusion) to strong localization (sharpening) of their momentum distribution. The predicted crossover should be manifest by a drastic change of the interference pattern as a function of the coupling fields.