Quantum Zeno-based control mechanism for molecular fragmentation

A quantum control mechanism is proposed for molecular fragmentation processes within a scenario grounded on the quantum Zeno effect. In particular, we focus on the van der Waals Ne-Br$_2$ complex, which displays two competing dissociation channels via vibrational and electronic predissociation. Accordingly, realistic three dimensional wave packet simulations are carried out by using ab initio interaction potentials recently obtained to reproduce available experimental data. Two numerical models to simulate the repeated measurements are reported and analyzed. It is found that the otherwise fast vibrational predissociation is slowed down in favor of the slow electronic (double fragmentation) predissociation, which is enhanced by several orders of magnitude. Based on these theoretical predictions, some hints to experimentalists to confirm their validity are also proposed.Comment: 4 pages, 3 figure

Degree of Quantumness in Quantum Synchronization

We introduce the concept of degree of quantumness in quantum synchronization, a measure of the quantum nature of synchronization in quantum systems. Following techniques from quantum information, we propose the number of non-commuting observables that synchronize as a measure of quantumness. This figure of merit is compatible with already existing synchronization measurements, and it captures different physical properties. We illustrate it in a quantum system consisting of two weakly interacting cavity-qubit systems, which are coupled via the exchange of bosonic excitations between the cavities. Moreover, we study the synchronization of the expectation values of the Pauli operators and we propose a feasible superconducting circuit setup. Finally, we discuss the degree of quantumness in the synchronization between two quantum van der Pol oscillators

Control of the geometric phase and pseudo-spin dynamics on coupled Bose-Einstein condensates

We describe the behavior of two coupled Bose-Einstein condensates in time-dependent (TD) trap potentials and TD Rabi (or tunneling) frequency, using the two-mode approach. Starting from Bloch states, we succeed to get analytical solutions for the TD Schroedinger equation and present a detailed analysis of the relative and geometric phases acquired by the wave function of the condensates, as well as their population imbalance. We also establish a connection between the geometric phases and constants of motion which characterize the dynamic of the system. Besides analyzing the affects of temporality on condensates that differs by hyperfine degrees of freedom (internal Josephson effect), we also do present a brief discussion of a one specie condensate in a double-well potential (external Josephson effect).Comment: 1 tex file and 11 figures in pdf forma

Modal decomposition of astronomical images with application to shapelets

The decomposition of an image into a linear combination of digitised basis functions is an everyday task in astronomy. A general method is presented for performing such a decomposition optimally into an arbitrary set of digitised basis functions, which may be linearly dependent, non-orthogonal and incomplete. It is shown that such circumstances may result even from the digitisation of continuous basis functions that are orthogonal and complete. In particular, digitised shapelet basis functions are investigated and are shown to suffer from such difficulties. As a result the standard method of performing shapelet analysis produces unnecessarily inaccurate decompositions. The optimal method presented here is shown to yield more accurate decompositions in all cases.Comment: 12 pages, 17 figures, submitted to MNRA

A causal look into the quantum Talbot effect

A well-known phenomenon in both optics and quantum mechanics is the so-called Talbot effect. This near field interference effect arises when infinitely periodic diffracting structures or gratings are illuminated by highly coherent light or particle beams. Typical diffraction patterns known as quantum carpets are then observed. Here the authors provide an insightful picture of this nonlocal phenomenon as well as its classical limit in terms of Bohmian mechanics, also showing the causal reasons and conditions that explain its appearance. As an illustration, theoretical results obtained from diffraction of thermal He atoms by both N-slit arrays and weak corrugated surfaces are analyzed and discussed. Moreover, the authors also explain in terms of what they call the Talbot-Beeby effect how realistic interaction potentials induce shifts and distortions in the corresponding quantum carpets.Comment: 12 pages, 6 figure