Atomic Systems Research Articles

Photoionization treatment of encompassed plasma-implanted exotic atoms

This work chews over exotic systems embedded in a non-ideal classical plasma (NICP) under impenetrable spherical confinement, including μH\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$\\mu \\hbox {H}$$\\end{document}, (μHe)+\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$(\\mu \\hbox {He})^{+}$$\\end{document}, and (μLi)++\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$(\\mu \\hbox {Li})^{++}$$\\end{document} systems within a nonrelativistic formalism. The photoionization processes of exotic atomic systems are thoroughly analyzed for different values of the NICP’s plasma screening parameter, hence plasma temperature and density, and the radius of spherical confinement. In each case, the energy levels of exotic systems are shown and interpreted in terms of their characteristics. The heavy nature of the muon significantly influences the entire process. Additionally, observable outcomes of different attraction effects originating from the nucleus in muonic systems on both the spectrum and photoionization are identified. The short lifetimes of relevant exotic systems due to the muon and the high bound state energies resulting from the strong attraction energy of the muon significantly inconvenience the photoionization process. However, these disadvantages can be overcome thanks to NICP and spherical confinement, thereby facilitating experimental applications. Important findings regarding these facilitation processes are presented in the present work.Graphical abstract

Pretraining of attention-based deep learning potential model for molecular simulation

Machine learning-assisted modeling of the inter-atomic potential energy surface (PES) is revolutionizing the field of molecular simulation. With the accumulation of high-quality electronic structure data, a model that can be pretrained on all available data and finetuned on downstream tasks with a small additional effort would bring the field to a new stage. Here we propose DPA-1, a Deep Potential model with a gated attention mechanism, which is highly effective for representing the conformation and chemical spaces of atomic systems and learning the PES. We tested DPA-1 on a number of systems and observed superior performance compared with existing benchmarks. When pretrained on large-scale datasets containing 56 elements, DPA-1 can be successfully applied to various downstream tasks with a great improvement of sample efficiency. Surprisingly, for different elements, the learned type embedding parameters form a spiral in the latent space and have a natural correspondence with their positions on the periodic table, showing interesting interpretability of the pretrained DPA-1 model.

Opto-RF transduction in Er3+:CaWO4

We use an erbium doped CaWO4 crystal as a resonant transducer between the RF and optical domains at 12 GHz and 1532 nm respectively. We employ a RF resonator to enhance the spin coupling but keep a single-pass (non-resonant) optical setup. The overall efficiency is low but we carefully characterize the transduction process and show that the performance can be described by two different metrics that we define and distinguish: the electro-optics and the quantum efficiencies. We reach an electro-optics efficiency of -84 dB for 15.7 dBm RF power. The corresponding quantum efficiency is -142 dB for 0.4 dBm optical power. We develop the Schrödinger-Maxwell formalism, well-known to describe light-matter interactions in atomic systems, in order to model the conversion process. We explicitly make the connection with the cavity quantum electrodynamics (cavity QED) approach that are generally used to describe quantum transduction.

Statistical physics of frictional grains: Some simple applications of the Edwards statistics

Granular matter like sand is composed of a large number of interacting grains and is, thus, expected to be amenable to a statistical physics treatment. Yet, the frictional properties of grains make the statistical physics of granular matter significantly different from the equilibrium statistical physics of atomic or molecular systems. We use three simple models to illustrate some of the key concepts of the statistical physics introduced by Edwards and co-workers more than 30 years ago to describe shaken granular piles: non-interacting frictional grains attached to a wall by a spring, a chain of frictional grains connected by springs, and a simplified mean-field model of a granular packing. We observe that a chain of frictional grains connected by springs exhibits a critical point at an infinite effective temperature (i.e., infinitely strong shaking) at odds with the zero-temperature critical point generically found in one-dimensional systems at thermal equilibrium in the presence of local interactions.

PRODUCTION OF Ni-HARD ALLOY POWDERS BY GAS ATOMIZATION

Ni-Hard cast iron materials are frequently used in equipment where high wear resistance is required in industrial applications. Generally, Ni-Hard is produced by conventional casting techniques. In this study, it was aimed to produce Ni-Hard powders to produce Ni-Hard cast iron materials with additive manufacturing techniques. To produce spherical and fine raw materials for additive manufacturing techniques, the gas atomization technique with a close-coupled nozzle system was preferred for the production of Ni-Hard powders. Ni-Hard alloy was melted in a high-frequency 10kW induction furnace under a protective atmosphere integrated into the gas atomization system. During the atomization process, 150 °C superheating was applied to prevent the liquid metal from freezing and clogging the melt delivery tube. In terms of the continuity of the atomization process, the negative pressure (aspiration pressure) values formed at the end of the melt delivery tube at different gas pressures were measured. An aspiration pressure of -50 mbar was obtained under an atomization pressure of 35 bar. Particle size distributions, hall flow behaviour and angle of repose properties of the produced powders were determined. Finally, the characterization of the powders was carried out by scanning electron microscopy. It was determined that the powders obtained as a result of atomization exhibited a spherical morphology and a narrow size range. The Hall flow rate test result of Ni-Hard powders was measured as 22 seconds for 50 g.

Towards optimal control: the probabilistic route in quantum systems

There is a fundamental limit to what is knowable about atomic and molecular scale systems. This fuzziness is not always due to the act of measurement. Other contributing factors include system parameter uncertainty, functional uncertainty that originates from input functions, and sensors noises to mention a few. This indeterminism has led to major challenges in the development of accurate control methods for atomic scale systems. To address the probabilistic and uncertain nature of these systems, this work proposes a novel control framework that considers the representation of the quantum system states and the quantification of its physical properties following a probabilistic approach. Our framework is fully probabilistic. It uses the Shannon relative entropy from information theory to design optimal randomised controllers that can achieve a desired outcome of an atomic scale system. Two experiments are carried out to illustrate the applicability and effectiveness of the proposed approach.

R-Matrix calculations for opacities: I. Methodology and computations

Abstract An extended version of the R-matrix methodology is presented for calculation of radiative parameters for improved plasma opacities. Contrast and comparisons with existing methods primarily relying on the Distorted Wave (DW) approximation are discussed to verify accuracy and resolve outstanding issues, particularly with reference to the Opacity Project (OP). Among the improvements incorporated are: (i) large-scale Breit-Pauli R-matrix (BPRM) calculations for complex atomic systems including fine structure, (ii) convergent close coupling wave function expansions for the (e + ion) system to compute oscillator strengths and photoionization cross sections, (iii) open and closed shell iron ions of interest in astrophysics and experiments, (iv) a treatment for plasma broadening of autoionizing resonances as function of energy-temperature-density dependent cross sections, (v) a ”top-up” procedure to compare convergence with R-matrix calculations for highly excited levels, and (vi) spectroscopic identification of resonances and bound (e + ion) levels. The present R-matrix monochromatic opacity spectra are fundamentally different from OP and lead to enhanced Rosseland and Planck mean opacities. An outline of the work reported in other papers in this series and those in progress is presented. Based on the present re-examination of the OP work, it is evident that opacities of heavy elements require revisions in high temperature-density plasma sources.

Sub-cycle strong-field tunneling dynamics in solids

Tunneling ionization is a crucial process in the interaction between strong laser fields and matter which initiates numerous nonlinear phenomena including high-order harmonic generation, photoelectron holography, etc. Both adiabatic and nonadiabatic tunneling ionization are well understood in atomic systems. However, the tunneling dynamics in solids, especially nonadiabatic tunneling, has not yet been fully understood. Here, we study the sub-cycle resolved strong-field tunneling dynamics in solids via a complex saddle-point method. We compare the instantaneous momentum at the moment of tunneling and the tunneling distances over a range of Keldysh parameters. Our results demonstrate that for nonadiabatic tunneling, tunneling ionization away from Γ point is possible. When this happens the electron has a nonzero initial velocity when it emerges in the conduction band. Moreover, consistent with atomic tunneling, a reduced tunneling distance as compared to the quasi-static case is found. Our results provide remarkable insight into the basic physics governing the sub-cycle electron tunneling dynamics with significant implications for understanding subsequent strong-field nonlinear phenomena in solids.

Computation of relativistic and many-body effects in atomic systems using quantum annealing

Computation of relativistic and many-body effects in atomic systems using quantum annealing

Generation of stable ultraviolet optical ring lattices using monolithic AlN metasurfaces for cooling atoms

Optical ring lattices containing multiple optical traps in a ring configuration have gradually evolved into indispensable tools in cold atom experiments. However, the conventional methods for generating optical ring lattices require bulky apparatus and work at a limited wavelength range. Recently, metasurfaces have emerged as promising ultra-compact platforms for the implementation of optical ring lattices. Here, we report the generation of ultraviolet optical ring lattices using monolithic AlN metasurfaces. The feasibility of trapping atom and atom-like systems in the optical ring lattices is validated through theoretical calculation of the optical forces using the dipole model. The adoption of AlN metasurfaces can reduce the size and cost of generating optical ring lattices and thus give rise to diverse applications such as transportable atom clocks.

Adsorption of alkaline metals (Li, Na, K) on armchair silicene nanoribbons

The paper presents the results of studies of structural, electronic and magnetic properties of amrchair silicene nanoribbons (ASiNR) atomic systems adsorbing alkaline atoms (ASiNR-Li, ASiNR-Na, ASiNR-K). The results are calculated based on density function theory (DFT) and through a VASP simulation package. Some basic characteristics have been investigated such as: optimal adsorption position, electron band structures, density of states, charge density distribution, charge density difference, and spin density distribution. The results show that the hollow adsorption site is optimal. After adsorption, the system structure has changes in bond edge length and buckling. Adsorption systems do not exist band gap, exhibiting typical metallic properties. Alkaline adsorption leads to a redistribution of charge density; causes a strong charge shift compared to the pristine system, and also leads to a change in the magnetic moment of the structure.

Goos–Hänchen shifts in a V-type three-level atomic system interacting with squeezed vacuum

This study explores the Goos–Hänchen (GH) shift phenomenon within a cavity hosting a V-type three-level atomic system, engaged with two independent broadband squeezed baths. Our exploration encompasses a thorough analysis of the lateral shifts in both reflected and transmitted light beams, with a focus on the impact of critical factors, i.e, coupling field strength, incoherent pumping field strength, and squeezed vacuum intensity. Our results reveal an interplay of these parameters, resulting in distinctive negative and positive GH shifts in both reflected and transmitted light. In addition, a remarkable enhancement of GH shifts at specific angles of incidence is observed, presenting a wide-ranging modulation across diverse system parameters. This study not only enriches the understanding of the GH shift in complex atomic systems but also highlights the potential for the manipulation of these lateral shifts by fine-tuning key variables of the system, and contributes valuable insights to the broader field of optical phenomena in quantum systems.

Strongly interacting Rydberg atoms in synthetic dimensions with a magnetic flux

Synthetic dimensions, wherein dynamics occurs in a set of internal states, have found great success in recent years in exploring topological effects in cold atoms and photonics. However, the phenomena thus far explored have largely been restricted to the non-interacting or weakly interacting regimes. Here, we extend the synthetic dimensions playbook to strongly interacting systems of Rydberg atoms prepared in optical tweezer arrays. We use precise control over driving microwave fields to introduce a tunable U(1) flux in a four-site lattice of coupled Rydberg levels. We find highly coherent dynamics, in good agreement with theory. Single atoms show oscillatory dynamics controllable by the gauge field. Small arrays of interacting atoms exhibit behavior suggestive of the emergence of ergodic and arrested dynamics in the regimes of intermediate and strong interactions, respectively. These demonstrations pave the way for future explorations of strongly interacting dynamics and many-body phases in Rydberg synthetic lattices.

Integrated visible-light polarization rotators and splitters for atomic quantum systems.

In this work, we design and experimentally demonstrate the first, to the best of our knowledge, integrated polarization splitters and rotators at blue wavelengths. We develop compact and efficient designs for both a polarization splitter and rotator at a 422-nm wavelength, an important laser-cooling transition for 88Sr+ ions. These devices are fabricated in a 200-mm wafer-scale process and experimentally demonstrated, resulting in a measured polarization-splitter transverse-electric thru-port coupling of 98.0% and transverse-magnetic tap-port coupling of 77.6% for a compact 16-µm-long device and a polarization-rotator conversion efficiency of 92.2% for a separate compact 111-µm-long device. This work paves the way for more sophisticated integrated control of trapped-ion and neutral-atom quantum systems.

Collisional cooling of a Fermi gas with three-body recombination

Evaporative cooling stands as the prevailing method for achieving ultracold temperatures in atomic systems. Current schemes of evaporation selectively remove the hotter atoms near the edge of the trap, as the hotter and colder atoms are distributed in different spatial regions of the trapping potential. However, a long-standing goal is to directly remove the higher momentum atoms, irrespective of their spatial distribution. For this purpose, we demonstrate collisional cooling for a 6Li Fermi gas through inelastic three-body recombination near a narrow Feshbach resonance. Such three-body recombination can induce either heating or cooling effects, and the decay of the quasi-bound Feshbach molecule stirs the hotter atoms away from the trapping potential. When the threshold energy of the Feshbach molecule exceeds the atom’s average kinetic energy of 3/2kBT, the cooling effect becomes more pronounced. Finally, we observe strong temperature dependence in this collisional cooling process, with greater efficiency achieved at lower temperatures.

Mqdtfit: A collection of Python functions for empirical multichannel quantum defect calculations

The Python functions distributed with this article can be used for calculating the parameters of multichannel quantum defect theory models describing excited bound states of complex atoms. These parameters are obtained by fitting a model to experimental data provided by the user. The two main formulations of the theory are supported, namely the one in which the parameters of the model are a set of eigen channel quantum defects and a transformation matrix, and the one where these parameters are the elements of a reactance matrix. The distribution includes programs for calculating theoretical energy levels, calculating mixing coefficients and channel fractions and producing Lu-Fano plots. Program summaryProgram Title: mqdtfitCPC Library link to program files:https://doi.org/10.17632/nzgygzd96c.1Developer's repository link:https://github.com/durham-qlm/mqdtfitLicensing provisions: BSD 3-clause.Programming language: Python 3.Nature of problem: Multichannel quantum defect theory aims at giving a unified description of the excited states of multielectron systems whereby the properties of entire series can be predicted from models involving a relatively small number of parameters. These parameters are obtained by fitting theory to experimental data, in the empirical version of the theory. The present programs specifically concern the application of this theory to the bound states of complex atomic systems, such as divalent atoms, for which spectroscopic series are often perturbed by isolated states of a different symmetry, making a multichannel description necessary.Solution method: The functions forming this library are grouped and linked to each other into a single Python module. They can be used to calculate the parameters of a given multichannel quantum defect theory model by fitting the model to experimental data provided by the user. These parameters are either a set of eigen channel quantum defects and a transformation matrix, in the eigenchannel parametrization of the theory, or the elements of an orthogonal matrix, in the reactance matrix parametrization of the theory. Given these parameters, this software can also be used to calculate theoretical energy levels, calculate coefficients describing the mixing between the channels considered and produce Lu-Fano plots.

Multiple electromagnetically induced grating in the 85Rb five-level atomic medium

In this work, a multiple electromagnetically induced grating is realized based on multiple electromagnetically induced transparency in the 85Rb five-level atomic medium. We demonstrate that the diffraction pattern of the probe light field is observed at three different frequency regions corresponding to the three transparent spectral regions of the system. The influence of the intensity and frequency of the coupling laser field on the diffraction pattern of the electromagnetically induced grating and its diffraction efficiency is also investigated, which can find the optimal parameters to improve the higher-order diffraction efficiencies. The appearance of the multiple electromagnetically induced grating in multi-level atomic systems can be applied to photonic devices operating with multiple frequency channels.

Dissipative stabilization of high-dimensional GHZ states for neutral atoms

High-dimensional quantum entanglement characterizes the entanglement of quantum systems within a larger Hilbert space, introducing more intricate and complex correlations among the entangled particles' states. The high-dimensional Greenberger–Horne–Zeilinger (GHZ) state, symbolic of this type of entanglement, is of significant importance in various quantum information processing applications. This study proposes integrating a neutral atom platform with quantum reservoir engineering to generate a high-dimensional GHZ state deterministically. Leveraging the advantages of neutral atoms in a modified unconventional Rydberg pumping mechanism, combined with controlled dissipation, we achieve a three-dimensional GHZ state with a fidelity surpassing 99% through multiple pump and dissipation cycles. This innovative approach paves the way for experimentally feasible, deterministic preparation of high-dimensional GHZ states in Rydberg atom systems, thereby advancing the capabilities of quantum information processing.

One- and two-dimensional electromagnetically induced gratings in a microwave-driven M-type atomic system

In this paper, we theoretically investigate a scheme for both 1D and 2D electromagnetically induced gratings (EIGs) in M-type atomic systems in which two ground states are coupled by a microwave field. It is observed that the presence of a microwave field enhances the probe diffraction efficiency to higher orders, thus leading to the construction of phase gratings in 1D and 2D cases. The study shows that changing the system parameters numerically, such as the strength of the applied microwave field, standing wave field, and the length of the atomic medium, leads to modulation of diffraction efficiency into higher orders. The application of microwave fields is a more convenient parameter for attaining increased first-order diffraction. We believe that the proposed system with a microwave field can be used for designing novel microwave sensing devices for optical networking and communication.

Experimental upper bounds for resonance-enhanced entangled two-photon absorption cross section of indocyanine green.

Resonant intermediate states have been proposed to increase the efficiency of entangled two-photon absorption (ETPA). Although resonance-enhanced ETPA (r-ETPA) has been demonstrated in atomic systems using bright squeezed vacuum, it has not been studied in organic molecules. We investigate for the first time r-ETPA in an organic molecular dye, indocyanine green (ICG), when excited by broadband entangled photons in near-IR. Similar to many reported virtual state mediated ETPA (v-ETPA) measurements, no r-ETPA signals are measured, with an experimental upper bound for the cross section placed at 6(±2) × 10-23 cm2. In addition, the classical resonance-enhanced two-photon absorption (r-TPA) cross section of ICG at 800nm is measured for the first time to be 20(±13) GM, where 1 GM equals 10-50 cm4 s, suggesting that having a resonant intermediate state does not significantly enhance two-photon processes in ICG. The spectrotemporally resolved emission signatures of ICG excited by entangled photons are also presented to support this conclusion.