Probing mixed phase space dynamics using atom optics

Abstract

Summary form only given. Atom optics has proven to be a fruitful testbed for the experimental study of quantum dynamics in classically chaotic systems. However, the quantum behavior in a mixed classical phase space, where both stable and chaotic regions are present, remains an interesting and challenging subject, with much left to understand. To probe local dynamics in mixed phase space, the atomic sample must be prepared such that it is localized in phase space. To accomplish this, cesium atoms are first prepared in a standard magneto-optic trap. They are then further cooled in a 3-D far-detuned optical lattice. A model system for the study of mixed phase space is realized when the atoms are subjected to an amplitude-modulated standing wave, where the intensity varies as sin/sup 2/ (/spl pi/t/T) (T is the pulse duration). There are three primary resonances in this system; one is at zero momentum, and the other two are located symmetrically about p = 0. As the intensity of the standing wave increases, the resonances overlap, and the resonances appear as islands of stability surrounded by bands of chaos. We have used our method of state preparation to center the atomic distribution at various positions and at the same momentum as one of the side resonances. We observe trapping of the atoms in the resonance when the atomic distribution is centered on the island, but not when the atoms are centered away from the resonance, since they instead diffuse through the chaotic region.