Algebraic construction of quantum integrable models including inhomogeneous models

Exploiting the quantum integrability condition we construct an ancestor model associated with a new underlying quadratic algebra. This ancestor model represents an exactly integrable quantum lattice inhomogeneous anisotropic model and at its various realizations and limits can generate a wide range of integrable models. They cover quantum lattice as well as field models associated with the quantum $R$-matrix of trigonometric type or at the undeformed $q \to 1$ limit similar models belonging to the rational class. The classical limit likewise yields the corresponding classical discrete and field models. Thus along with the generation of known integrable models in a unifying way a new class of inhomogeneous models including variable mass sine-Gordon model, inhomogeneous Toda chain, impure spin chains etc. are constructed.Comment: Latex, 14pages, To be published in the Rev. Math. Phys annual conf.ROMP99 Proceedings (Tarun, Poland, 1999

Evidence of a new state in 11^{11}Be observed in the 11^{11}Li β\beta-decay

Coincidences between charged particles emitted in the $\beta$-decay of $^{11}$Li were observed using highly segmented detectors. The breakup channels involving three particles were studied in full kinematics allowing for the reconstruction of the excitation energy of the $^{11}$Be states participating in the decay. In particular, the contribution of a previously unobserved state at 16.3 MeV in $^{11}$Be has been identified selecting the $\alpha$ + $^7$He$\to\alpha$ + $^6$He+n channel. The angular correlations between the $\alpha$ particle and the center of mass of the $^6$He+n system favors spin and parity assignment of 3/2$^-$ for this state as well as for the previously known state at 18 MeV.Comment: 13 pages, 6 figure

Algebraic approach in unifying quantum integrable models

A novel algebra underlying integrable systems is shown to generate and unify a large class of quantum integrable models with given $R$-matrix, through reductions of an ancestor Lax operator and its different realizations. Along with known discrete and field models a new class of inhomogeneous and impurity models are obtained.Comment: Revtex, 6 pages, no figure, revised version to be published in Phys. Rev. Lett., 199

Wigner functions, squeezing properties and slow decoherence of atomic Schrodinger cats

We consider a class of states in an ensemble of two-level atoms: a superposition of two distinct atomic coherent states, which can be regarded as atomic analogues of the states usually called Schrodinger cat states in quantum optics. According to the relation of the constituents we define polar and nonpolar cat states. The properties of these are investigated by the aid of the spherical Wigner function. We show that nonpolar cat states generally exhibit squeezing, the measure of which depends on the separation of the components of the cat, and also on the number of the constituent atoms. By solving the master equation for the polar cat state embedded in an external environment, we determine the characteristic times of decoherence, dissipation and also the characteristic time of a new parameter, the non-classicality of the state. This latter one is introduced by the help of the Wigner function, which is used also to visualize the process. The dependence of the characteristic times on the number of atoms of the cat and on the temperature of the environment shows that the decoherence of polar cat states is surprisingly slow.Comment: RevTeX, 14 pages including 8 PostScript figures. High quality versions of Figures 1, 3, 5, 7 and 8 are available at http://www.jate.u-szeged.hu/~benedict/asc_figures.html . (Submitted to Physical Review A: March 26, 1999.