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

本项目将采用一种基于局域态的新方法，对被困超冷原子相干输运动力学的基本特性进行深入的理论研究。除了是数值模拟原子通过任意电位（原子电路中的“器件”）输运的有效方法外，该方法还可以直接应用于原子输运实验中。这些实验的实际设计也将作为本研究的一部分进行开发。重点将放在机制，涉及时间依赖的势，相干演化和特征，区分原子和电子。目标是建立超冷原子输运研究作为一个蓬勃发展的研究领域，具有重要的应用价值。新的量子动力学现象将研究冷原子，这有望通过对几种输运现象提供更广阔的视角而产生跨学科的影响。原子芯片的一种新应用是检测原子的流动，与半导体微芯片的功能一致，具有集成到原子电路中的潜力。一种替代系统可以在原子芯片的微米尺度的受控环境中探测相干量子输运，而不是在纳米尺度的电子电路中，这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有价值。这项工作的更广泛的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。该项目将提高参与该项目的学生的教育经验，并有助于创造一个鼓励学生和教师进行研究的环境。本科生的研究参与将是该项目的一个组成部分，重点是招募在科学领域代表性不足的学生，以鼓励他们从事科学和技术事业。由于这所大学的地理位置，城市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.