296 research outputs found
Controlling the dynamics of an open many-body quantum system with localized dissipation
We experimentally investigate the action of a localized dissipative potential
on a macroscopic matter wave, which we implement by shining an electron beam on
an atomic Bose-Einstein condensate (BEC). We measure the losses induced by the
dissipative potential as a function of the dissipation strength observing a
paradoxical behavior when the strength of the dissipation exceeds a critical
limit: for an increase of the dissipation rate the number of atoms lost from
the BEC becomes lower. We repeat the experiment for different parameters of the
electron beam and we compare our results with a simple theoretical model,
finding excellent agreement. By monitoring the dynamics induced by the
dissipative defect we identify the mechanisms which are responsible for the
observed paradoxical behavior. We finally demonstrate the link between our
dissipative dynamics and the measurement of the density distribution of the BEC
allowing for a generalized definition of the Zeno effect. Due to the high
degree of control on every parameter, our system is a promising candidate for
the engineering of fully governable open quantum systems
Exponential localization in one-dimensional quasiperiodic optical lattices
We investigate the localization properties of a one-dimensional bichromatic
optical lattice in the tight binding regime, by discussing how exponentially
localized states emerge upon changing the degree of commensurability. We also
review the mapping onto the discrete Aubry-Andre' model, and provide evidences
on how the momentum distribution gets modified in the crossover from extended
to exponentially localized states. This analysis is relevant to the recent
experiment on Anderson localization of a noninteracting Bose-Einstein
condensate in a quasiperiodic optical lattice [G. Roati et al., Nature 453, 895
(2008)].Comment: 13 pages, 6 figure
Scanning electron microscopy of Rydberg-excited Bose-Einstein condensates
We report on the realization of high resolution electron microscopy of
Rydberg-excited ultracold atomic samples. The implementation of an ultraviolet
laser system allows us to excite the atom, with a single-photon transition, to
Rydberg states. By using the electron microscopy technique during the Rydberg
excitation of the atoms, we observe a giant enhancement in the production of
ions. This is due to -changing collisions, which broaden the Rydberg level
and therefore increase the excitation rate of Rydberg atoms. Our results pave
the way for the high resolution spatial detection of Rydberg atoms in an atomic
sample
Spin noise spectroscopy of a noise-squeezed atomic state
Spin noise spectroscopy is emerging as a powerful technique for studying the
dynamics of various spin systems also beyond their thermal equilibrium and
linear response. Here, we study spin fluctuations of room-temperature neutral
atoms in a Bell-Bloom type magnetometer. Driven by indirect pumping and
undergoing a parametric excitation, this system is known to produce
noise-squeezing. Our measurements not only reveal a strong asymmetry in the
noise distribution of the atomic signal quadratures at the magnetic resonance,
but also provide insight into the mechanism behind its generation and
evolution. In particular, a structure in the spectrum is identified which
allows to investigate the main dependencies and the characteristic timescales
of the noise process. The results obtained are compatible with parametrically
induced noise squeezing. Notably, the noise spectrum provides information on
the spin dynamics even in regimes where the macroscopic atomic coherence is
lost, effectively enhancing the sensitivity of the measurements. Our work
promotes spin noise spectroscopy as a versatile technique for the study of
noise squeezing in a wide range of spin based magnetic sensors
Microwave-dressed state-selective potentials for atom interferometry
International audienceWe propose a novel and robust technique to realize a beam splitter for trapped Bose–Einstein condensates (BECs). The scheme relies on the possibility of producing different potentials simultaneously for two internal atomic states. The atoms are coherently transferred, via a Rabi coupling between the two long-lived internal states, from a single well potential to a double-well. We present numerical simulations supporting our proposal and confirming excellent efficiency and fidelity of the transfer process with realistic numbers for a BEC of 87 Rb. We discuss the experimental implementation by suggesting state-selective microwave (MW) potentials as an ideal tool to be exploited for magnetically trapped atoms. The working principles of this technique are tested on our atom chip device which features an integrated coplanar MW guide. In particular, the first realization of a double-well potential by using a MW dressing field is reported. Experimental results are presented together with numerical simulations, showing good agreement. Simultaneous and independent control on the external potentials is also demonstrated in the two Rubidium clock states. The transfer between the two states, featuring respectively a single and a double-well, is characterized and it is used to measure the energy spectrum of the atoms in the double-well. Our results show that the spatial overlap between the two states is crucial to ensure the functioning of the beamsplitter. Even though this condition could not be achieved in our current setup, the proposed technique can be realized with current state-of-the-art devices being particularly well suited for atom chip experiments. We anticipate applications in quantum enhanced interferometry
Parametric amplification and noise-squeezing in room temperature atomic vapours
We report on the use of parametric excitation to coherently manipulate the
collective spin state of an atomic vapour at room temperature. Signatures of
the parametric excitation are detected in the ground-state spin evolution.
These include the excitation spectrum of the atomic coherences, which contains
resonances at frequencies characteristic of the parametric process. The
amplitudes of the signal quadratures show amplification and attenuation, and
their noise distribution is characterized by a strong asymmetry, similarly to
those observed in mechanical oscillators. The parametric excitation is produced
by periodic modulation of the pumping beam, exploiting a Bell-Bloom-like
technique widely used in atomic magnetometry. Notably, we find that the
noise-squeezing obtained by this technique enhances the signal-to-noise ratio
of the measurements up to a factor of 10, and improves the performance of a
Bell-Bloom magnetometer by a factor of 3
Effect of optical disorder and single defects on the expansion of a Bose-Einstein condensate in a one-dimensional waveguide
We investigate the one-dimensional expansion of a Bose-Einstein condensate in
an optical guide in the presence of a random potential created with optical
speckles. With the speckle the expansion of the condensate is strongly
inhibited. A detailed investigation has been carried out varying the
experimental conditions and checking the expansion when a single optical defect
is present. The experimental results are in good agreement with numerical
calculations based on the Gross-Pitaevskii equation.Comment: 5 pages, 5 figure
Disorder-enhanced phase coherence in trapped bosons on optical lattices
The consequences of disorder on interacting bosons trapped in optical
lattices are investigated by quantum Monte Carlo simulations. At small to
moderate strengths of potential disorder a unique effect is observed: if there
is a Mott plateau at the center of the trap in the clean limit, phase coherence
{\it increases} as a result of disorder. The localization effects due to
correlation and disorder compete against each other, resulting in a partial
delocalization of the particles in the Mott region, which in turn leads to
increased phase coherence. In the absence of a Mott plateau, this effect is
absent. A detailed analysis of the uniform system without a trap shows that the
disordered states participate in a Bose glass phase.Comment: 4 pages, 4 figure
Dermatological remedies in the traditional pharmacopoeia of Vulture-Alto Bradano, inland southern Italy
Dermatological remedies make up at least one-third of the traditional pharmacopoeia in southern Italy. The identification of folk remedies for the skin is important both for the preservation of traditional medical knowledge and in the search for novel antimicrobial agents in the treatment of skin and soft tissue infection (SSTI). Our goal is to document traditional remedies from botanical, animal, mineral and industrial sources for the topical treatment of skin ailments. In addition to SSTI remedies for humans, we also discuss certain ethnoveterinary applications.
Field research was conducted in ten communities in the Vulture-Alto Bradano area of the Basilicata province, southern Italy. We randomly sampled 112 interviewees, stratified by age and gender. After obtaining prior informed consent, we collected data through semi-structured interviews, participant-observation, and small focus groups techniques. Voucher specimens of all cited botanic species were deposited at FTG and HLUC herbaria located in the US and Italy.
We report the preparation and topical application of 116 remedies derived from 38 plant species. Remedies are used to treat laceration, burn wound, wart, inflammation, rash, dental abscess, furuncle, dermatitis, and other conditions. The pharmacopoeia also includes 49 animal remedies derived from sources such as pigs, slugs, and humans. Ethnoveterinary medicine, which incorporates both animal and plant derived remedies, is addressed. We also examine the recent decline in knowledge regarding the dermatological pharmacopoeia.
The traditional dermatological pharmacopoeia of Vulture-Alto Bradano is based on a dynamic folk medical construct of natural and spiritual illness and healing. Remedies are used to treat more than 45 skin and soft tissue conditions of both humans and animals. Of the total 165 remedies reported, 110 have never before been published in the mainland southern Italian ethnomedical literature
Optical control and coherent coupling of spin diffusive modes in thermal gases
Quantum science and technology devices exploiting collective spins in thermal gases are extremely appealing due to their simplicity and robustness. This comes at the cost of dealing with the random thermal motion of the atoms which is usually an uncontrolled source of decoherence and noise. There are however conditions, for example, when diffusing in a buffer gas, where thermal atoms can occupy a discrete set of stable spatial modes. Diffusive modes can be extended or localized, have different magnetic properties depending on boundary conditions, and can react differently to external perturbations. Here, we selectively excite, manipulate, and interrogate the longest-lived of these modes by using laser light. In particular, we identify the conditions for the generation of modes that are exceptionally resilient to detrimental effects such as light induced frequency shifts and power-broadening, which are often the dominant sources of systematic errors in atomic magnetometers and comagnetometers. Moreover, we show that the presence of spatial inhomogeneities in the pump introduces a coupling that leads to a coherent exchange of excitation between the two longest-lived modes. Our results demonstrate that systematic engineering of the multi-mode nature of diffusive gases has great potential for improving the performance of quantum sensors based on alkali-metal thermal vapors, and opens new perspectives for quantum information applications
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