Matter Wave Scattering and Guiding by Atomic Arrays

TL;DR

This paper explores how linear atomic arrays can guide matter waves similarly to optical fibers, analyzing the scattering and band conduction phenomena that enable wave guidance in 2D atomic structures.

Contribution

It presents a theoretical model demonstrating matter wave guiding by atomic arrays, highlighting conditions for effective guidance in straight and curved configurations.

Findings

Atomic arrays can support matter wave guiding.

Guidance depends on scattering and band conduction phenomena.

Straight and curved arrays can effectively guide matter waves.

Abstract

We investigate the possibility that linear arrays of atoms can guide matter waves, much as fiber optics guide light. We model the atomic line as a quasi-1D array of s wave point scatterers embedded in 2D. Our theoretical study reveals how matter wave guiding arises from the interplay of scattering phenomena with bands and conduction along the array. We discuss the conditions under which a straight or curved array of atoms can guide a beam focused at one end of the array.