Continuous measurements enhanced self-trapping of degenerate ultra-cold atoms: Nonlinear Quantum Zeno Effect

TL;DR

This paper demonstrates that continuous measurements can enhance self-trapping in degenerate Bose gases, revealing a nonlinear quantum Zeno effect that broadens the conditions for self-trapping, with potential experimental implications.

Contribution

It introduces the concept of a nonlinear quantum Zeno effect in degenerate Bose gases, showing how continuous measurements influence quantum dynamics and self-trapping phenomena.

Findings

Continuous measurements enhance asymmetry in atom density distribution.

They broaden the parameter regime for self-trapping.

Discontinuous measurements destroy self-trapping entirely.

Abstract

In the present paper we investigate the influence of measurements on the quantum dynamics of degenerate Bose atoms gases in a symmetric double-well. We show that continuous measurements enhance asymmetry on the density distribution of the atoms and broaden the parameter regime for self-trapping. We term this phenomenon as nonlinear quantum Zeno effect in analog to the celebrated Zeno effect in a linear quantum system. Under discontinuous measurements, the self-trapping due to the atomic interaction in the degenerate bosons is shown to be destroyed completely. Underlying physics is revealed and possible experimental realization is discussed.