RUI: Quantum Transport Dynamics with Ultracold Atoms: Localized versus Extended States

本项目将使用一种基于局域态的新方法，对囚禁的超冷原子相干输运动力学的基本性质进行深入的理论研究。除了是数值模拟原子通过任意势(原子电路中的‘器件’)输运的有效方法外，该方法还可以直接在原子输运实验中实现。这类实验的现实设计也将作为这项研究的一部分进行开发。重点将集中在涉及依赖时间的势、相干演化以及区分原子和电子的特征的机制上。其目标是将超冷原子输运研究作为一个具有重要应用价值的蓬勃发展的研究领域。冷原子的新量子动力学现象将被研究，这有望通过为几种输运现象提供更广泛的视角而产生跨学科的影响。原子芯片的一个新的应用是研究原子的流动，与半导体微芯片的功能相一致，具有集成到原子电路的潜力。一种可以在受控环境下探测微米级原子芯片的相干量子输运的替代系统，将对未来技术中即将到来的量子输运动力学的测试和应用具有重要价值。这项工作的更广泛影响是，它有能力加强一个以本科生为主的机构的教学和研究活动。该项目将增强参与该项目的学生的教育体验，并将有助于为学生和教职员工创造一个鼓励研究的环境。本科生的研究参与将是该项目的一个组成部分，重点是招收在科学方面代表性较低的学生，以努力鼓励他们投身科学和技术职业。由于该大学的地理位置，市中心的学生和来自农村地区的学生都将被录取。

This project will undertake a thorough theoretical study of the essential properties of coherent transport dynamics of trapped ultra-cold atoms, using a novel approach based on localized states. Besides being an effective way to numerically simulate transport of atoms through arbitrary potentials ('devices' in an atomic circuit), this approach can be directly implemented in atom transport experiments. Realistic designs for such experiments will also be developed as part of this study. The focus will be on mechanisms that involve time-dependent potential, coherent evolution, and features that distinguish atoms from electrons. The goal is to establish transport research with ultracold atoms as a flourishing field of study with significant applications. New quantum dynamical phenomena will be investigated for cold atoms, which are expected to have cross-disciplinary impact by providing a broader perspective on several transport phenomena. A new application of atom chips is implied in examining the flow of atoms, aligned with the functions of semiconductor microchips, with potential for integration into an atomic circuit. An alternate system that can probe coherent quantum transport in a controlled setting at the micron scale of atom chips, instead of the nanoscale of electronic circuits, will be valuable for testing and applying quantum transport dynamics imminent in future technology. The broader impact of the work is its capacity to strengthen both teaching and research activity at a predominantly undergraduate institution. This project will enhance the educational experience of the students working on the project and will help to create an environment that encourages research for both students and faculty. Undergraduate research involvement will be an integral component of this project, with an emphasis on recruiting students underrepresented in science in an effort to encourage them towards careers in science and technology. Because of the location of the University, both inner city students and those from very rural areas will be recruited.