Exact quantum motion of a single trapped ion interacting with standing laser pulses in Lamb-Dicke regime

Abstract

We investigate the secular motion of a single Paul-trapped ion in the Lamb-Dicke regime, which interacts with a sequence of standing laser pulses. By using the ansatz method, we get an exact quantum solution of the system. Based on the wave-packet trains described by the exact solution, we find that: i) The center, height and width of the wave-packet trains depend on the strength of laser pulses, the deformation and spread of the wave-packet trains can be controlled by adjusting the strength of laser. ii) Energy expectation values of the ion show jumps at the instantaneous switching on of the laser pulses. In the time intervals when the laser pulses are switched off some narrow energy bands are generated. iii) When the strength of laser pulses reaches a critical value, the system changes its stability.