Quantum-classical Correspondence Research Articles

Averaged Semiquantum Method Is a Useful Tool to Predict the Decoherence of Kicked Harmonic Oscillator System

We investigate the quantum-classical correspondence of kicked harmonic oscillator (KHO) model by the averaged semiquantum method. Furthermore, we investigate the decoherence of N dimensional kicked harmonic oscillator with different coupling strengths and the dimensionalities. The averaged semiquantum method origins from the time-dependent variational principle (TDVP) formulation and contains nondiagonal matrix elements, so it can be applied to study dissipation, measurement and decoherence problems. When applied to the harmonic oscillator model coupled to a heat bath with different coupling strengths and dimensionalities of the bath, we find that the loss of coherence between superposed wave packets can be also predicted by the averaged semiquantum method. Subject Index: 020, 024, 046, 061, 062

Quantum chaos and the dynamic properties of single-particle coherence in Dicke model

The Dicke model displays quantum chaotic dynamic properties in the without-rotating-wave approximation. We explore the dynamic properties of the single-particle coherence in Dicke model by using the first-order temporal correlation function and numerical simulation. The results reveal that the first-order temporal correlation function decays very rapidly when the initial coherent state is centered in chaotic regions, but rather slowly when the initial coherent state is centered in regular regions. This indicates that the single-particle coherence is highly sensitive to initial states, and the classical chaos suppresses quantum coherence. The mean single particle coherence during the evolution is studied, and a better quantum-classical correspondence is obtained. Finally, the dynamics of single-particle coherence in the whole phase space is investigated, which reveals the chaotic and regular structures of the phase space more clearly.

Semiclassical theory for universality in quantum chaos with symmetry crossover

We address the quantum-classical correspondence for chaotic systems with a crossover between symmetry classes. We consider the energy-level statistics of a classically chaotic system in a weak magnetic field. The generating function of spectral correlations is calculated by using the semiclassical periodic-orbit theory. An explicit calculation up to the second order, including the non-oscillatory and oscillatory terms, agrees with the prediction of random matrix theory. Formal expressions of the higher order terms are also presented. The nonlinear sigma (NLS) model of random matrix theory, in the variant of the Bosonic replica trick, is also analyzed for the crossover between the Gaussian orthogonal ensemble and Gaussian unitary ensemble. The diagrammatic expansion of the NLS model is interpreted in terms of the periodic-orbit theory.

Quantum signatures of chaos in a kicked top

Chaotic behaviour is ubiquitous and plays an important part in most fields of science. In classical physics, chaos is characterized by hypersensitivity of the time evolution of a system to initial conditions. Quantum mechanics does not permit a similar definition owing in part to the uncertainty principle, and in part to the Schrödinger equation, which preserves the overlap between quantum states. This fundamental disconnect poses a challenge to quantum-classical correspondence, and has motivated a long-standing search for quantum signatures of classical chaos. Here we present the experimental realization of a common paradigm for quantum chaos-the quantum kicked top- and the observation directly in quantum phase space of dynamics that have a chaotic classical counterpart. Our system is based on the combined electronic and nuclear spin of a single atom and is therefore deep in the quantum regime; nevertheless, we find good correspondence between the quantum dynamics and classical phase space structures. Because chaos is inherently a dynamical phenomenon, special significance attaches to dynamical signatures such as sensitivity to perturbation or the generation of entropy and entanglement, for which only indirect evidence has been available. We observe clear differences in the sensitivity to perturbation in chaotic versus regular, non-chaotic regimes, and present experimental evidence for dynamical entanglement as a signature of chaos.

The influence of dissipation on the quantum-classical correspondence: Stability of stochastic trajectories

The quantum-classical correspondence in the presence of dissipation is studied. The semiclassical expression for the linear response function of an anharmonic system is expressed in a series containing classical stability matrix elements, which can diverge due to the chaotic behavior of stochastic trajectories. The presence of dissipation in most cases removes the divergence of higher-order correction terms, thus suppressing quantum effects and making the system more classical. The regime of system-bath coupling, which makes quantum dynamics completely classical, is obtained in terms of friction, temperature, and anharmonicity. Special cases when bath coupling may lead to enhancement of quantum effects are discussed.

Quantum and Classical Fall of a Charged Particle onto a Stationary Dipolar Target

The quantum dynamics of the fall of a charged particle (i.e., the capture of a charged particle) onto a stationary dipolar target is considered. Extending previous approaches for the calculation of rate coefficients in the lowest channels, we now determine rate coefficients for all channels until the quantum rate coefficients converge to their classical counterpart. The results bridge the gap between the capture of light particles (electrons) and heavy particles (ions) in the limit of sudden dynamics, when the collision time is short in comparison to the rotational period of the molecular target. The quantum-classical correspondence is discussed in terms of semiclassical numbers of channels which are open for capture in effective potentials formed by charge-dipole attraction and centrifugal repulsion. The quantum capture rate coefficients are presented through classical rate coefficients and correction factors that converge to unity for high temperatures and whose behavior at ultralow temperatures, for not too small values of the dipole moment, is determined by semiclassical numbers of capture channels.

Quantization of the Maxwell fish-eye problem and the quantum-classical correspondence

The so-called fish-eye model, originally investigated by Maxwell in geometrical optics, is studied both in the classical as well as in the quantum formulations. The best agreement between the two approaches is achieved by using a suitably constructed coherent state, which is of the SU(2) type. The perfect quantum-classical correspondence is obtained in the sense that classical rays go exactly over maxima of the corresponding quantum probability distributions. The distributions are made of linear combinations of the $E=0$ bound states of the considered model.

Quantum-classical correspondence of the Dirac equation with a scalar-like potential

Quantum matrix elements of the coordinate, momentum and the velocity operator for a spin-1/2 particle moving in a scalar-like potential are calculated. In the large quantum number limit, these matrix elements give classical quantities for a relativistic system with a position-dependent mass. Meanwhile, the Klein-Gordon equation for the spin-0 particle is discussed too. Though the Heisenberg equations for both the spin-0 and spin-1/2 particles are unlike the classical equations of motion, they go to the classical equations in the classical limit.

Bohmian Mechanics, the Quantum-Classical Correspondence and the Classical Limit: The Case of the Square Billiard

Square billiards are quantum systems complying with the dynamical quantum-classical correspondence. Hence an initially localized wavefunction launched along a classical periodic orbit evolves along that orbit, the spreading of the quantum amplitude being controlled by the spread of the corresponding classical statistical distribution. We investigate wavepacket dynamics and compute the corresponding de Broglie-Bohm trajectories in the quantum square billiard. We also determine the trajectories and statistical distribution dynamics for the equivalent classical billiard. Individual Bohmian trajectories follow the streamlines of the probability flow and are generically non-classical. This can also hold even for short times, when the wavepacket is still localized along a classical trajectory. This generic feature of Bohmian trajectories is expected to hold in the classical limit. We further argue that in this context decoherence cannot constitute a viable solution in order to recover classicality.

The Husimi Distribution of Circular Billiard with an Applied Uniform Magnetic Field

We present a theoretical computation of the Husimi distribution function in phase-space for studying the semiclassical dynamics of the circular electron billiard subjected to a constant magnetic field in the perpendicular direction. The results reveal that with the increase of the applied magnetic field the peaks of Husimi function tend to the billiard boundaries, along with the movements a periodic splitting-recombining (alternative single-double) peak structure is arisen. This fact implies the localization of the eigenstates and coincides to the classical trajectory distribution what we obtained by use of representation on the billiard boundary. It becomes possible to compare the local properties of the quantum and classical distributions. Our analysis provides a new perspective to understand the quantum-classical correspondence.

A Unified Scheme of Measurement and Amplification Processes Based on Micro-Macro Duality — Stern-Gerlach Experiment as a Typical Example

A unified scheme for quantum measurement processes is formulated on the basis of micro-macro duality as a mathematical expression of the general idea of quantum-classical correspondence. In this formulation, we can naturally accommodate the amplification processes necessary for magnifying quantum state changes at the microscopic end of the probe system into the macroscopically visible motion of the measuring pointer. Its essence is exemplified and examined in the concrete model of the Stern-Gerlach experiment for spin measurement, where the Helgason duality controlling the Radon transform is seen to play essential roles.

Recursive algorithm for arrays of generalized Bessel functions: Numerical access to Dirac-Volkov solutions

In the relativistic and the nonrelativistic theoretical treatment of moderate and high-power laser-matter interaction, the generalized Bessel function occurs naturally when a Schrödinger-Volkov and Dirac-Volkov solution is expanded into plane waves. For the evaluation of cross sections of quantum electrodynamic processes in a linearly polarized laser field, it is often necessary to evaluate large arrays of generalized Bessel functions, of arbitrary index but with fixed arguments. We show that the generalized Bessel function can be evaluated, in a numerically stable way, by utilizing a recurrence relation and a normalization condition only, without having to compute any initial value. We demonstrate the utility of the method by illustrating the quantum-classical correspondence of the Dirac-Volkov solutions via numerical calculations.

Wave-packet dynamics in energy space of a chaotic trimeric Bose-Hubbard system

We study the energy redistribution of interacting bosons in a ring-shaped quantum trimer as the coupling strength between neighboring sites of the corresponding Bose-Hubbard Hamiltonian undergoes a sudden change $\ensuremath{\delta}k$. Our analysis is based on a threefold approach combining linear response theory calculations as well as semiclassical and random matrix theory considerations. The $\ensuremath{\delta}k$ borders of applicability of each of these methods are identified by direct comparison with the exact quantum-mechanical results. We find that while the variance of the evolving quantum distribution shows a remarkable quantum-classical correspondence (QCC) for all $\ensuremath{\delta}k$ values, other moments exhibit this QCC only in the nonperturbative $\ensuremath{\delta}k$ regime.

Decoherence, entanglement and irreversibility in quantum dynamical systems with few degrees of freedom

In this review we summarize and amplify recent investigations of coupled quantum dynamical systems with few degrees of freedom in the short-wavelength, semiclassical limit. Focusing on the correspondence between quantum and classical physics, we mathematically formulate and attempt to answer three fundamental questions. (i) How can one drive a small dynamical quantum system to behave classically? (ii) What determines the rate at which two single-particle quantum-mechanical subsystems become entangled when they interact? (iii) How does irreversibility occur in quantum systems with few degrees of freedom? These three questions are posed in the context of the quantum-classical correspondence for dynamical systems with few degrees of freedom, and we accordingly rely on two short-wavelength approximations to quantum mechanics to answer them: the trajectory-based semiclassical approach on the one hand, and random matrix theory on the other hand. We construct novel investigative procedures towards decoherence an...

An Approach to Construct Wave Packets with Complete Classical-Quantum Correspondence in Non-relativistic Quantum Mechanics

We introduce a method to construct wave packets with complete classical and quantum correspondence in one-dimensional non-relativistic quantum mechanics. First, we consider two similar oscillators with equal total energy. In classical domain, we can easily solve this model and obtain the trajectories in the space of variables. This picture in the quantum level is equivalent with a hyperbolic partial differential equation which gives us a freedom for choosing the initial wave function and its initial slope. By taking advantage of this freedom, we propose a method to choose an appropriate initial condition which is independent from the form of the oscillators. We then construct the wave packets for some cases and show that these wave packets closely follow the whole classical trajectories and peak on them. Moreover, we use de-Broglie Bohm interpretation of quantum mechanics to quantify this correspondence and show that the resulting Bohmian trajectories are also in a complete agreement with their classical counterparts.

Decoding the Dynamical Information Embedded in Highly Excited Vibrational Eigenstates: State Space and Phase Space Viewpoints

We study the nature of highly excited eigenstates of strongly coupled multimode systems with three degrees of freedom. Attempts to dynamically assign the eigenstates using classical-quantum correspondence techniques poses a considerable challenge, due to both the number of degrees of freedom and the extensive chaos in the underlying classical phase space. Nevertheless, we show that sequences of localized states interspersed between delocalized states can be identified readily by using the parametric variation technique proposed earlier by us. In addition, we introduce a novel method to lift the quantum eigenstates onto the classical resonance web using a wavelet-based local time-frequency approach. It is shown that the lifting procedure provides clear information on the various dominant nonlinear resonances that influence the eigenstates. Analyzing the spectroscopic Hamiltonians for CDBrClF and CF(3)CHFI as examples, we illustrate our approach and demonstrate the consistency between state space and phase space perspectives of the eigenstates. Two exemplary cases of highly mixed quantum states are discussed to highlight the difficulties associated with their assignment. In particular, we provide arguments to distinguish between the states in terms of their predominantly classical or quantum nature of the mixing.

Spin squeezing of two-component Bose-Einstein condensate

Spin squeezing of two-component Bose-Einstein condensate, which is impacted by the periodic impulses, is investigated. The results show that spin squeezing can reveal the underlying chaotic and regular structures of phase space, namely, spin squeezing vanishes after a very short time for an initial coherent state centred in a chaotic region, but spin squeezing exists for a long time for an initial coherent state centred in a regular region. In particular, with time evolution, distribution and swing of the mean spin direction is closely related to the structure of the space where the initial coherent state centred in. Finally, spin squeezing dynamics of initial states centred in the whole phase space is investigated and a better quantum-classical correspondence is obtained.

Re'class'ification of 'quant'ified classical simulated annealing

We discuss a classical reinterpretation of quantum-mechanics-based analysis of classical Markov chains with detailed balance, that is based on the quantum-classical correspondence. The classical reinterpretation is then used to demonstrate that it successfully reproduces a sufficient condition for cooling schedule in classical simulated annealing, which has the inverse-logarithmic scaling.

Classical and quantum fold catastrophe in the presence of axial symmetry

We introduce a family of Hamiltonians with two degrees of freedom, axial symmetry and complete integrability. The potential function depends on coordinates and one control parameter. A fold catastrophe typically occurs in such a family of potentials and its consequences on the global dynamics are investigated through the energy-momentum map which defines the singular fibration of the four-dimensional phase space. The two inequivalent local canonical forms of the catastrophe are presented: the first case corresponds to the appearance of a second sheet in the image of the energy-momentum map while the second case is associated with the breaking of an already existing second sheet. A special effort is placed on the description of the singularities. In particular, the existence of cuspidal tori is related to a second-order contact point between the energy level set and the reduced phase space. The quantum mechanical aspects of the changes induced by the fold catastrophe are investigated with the quantum eigenstates computed for an octic potential and are interpreted through the quantum-classical correspondence. We note that the singularity exposed in this paper is not an obstruction to a global definition of action-angle variables.

Dirac-Type Equations in a Gravitational Field, with Vector Wave Function

An analysis of the classical-quantum correspondence shows that it needs to identify a preferred class of coordinate systems, which defines a torsionless connection. One such class is that of the locally-geodesic systems, corresponding to the Levi-Civita connection. Another class, thus another connection, emerges if a preferred reference frame is available. From the classical Hamiltonian that rules geodesic motion, the correspondence yields two distinct Klein-Gordon equations and two distinct Dirac-type equations in a general metric, depending on the connection used. Each of these two equations is generally-covariant, transforms the wave function as a four-vector, and differs from the Fock-Weyl gravitational Dirac equation (DFW equation). One obeys the equivalence principle in an often-accepted sense, whereas the DFW equation obeys that principle only in an extended sense.