Coherent Trapping Research Articles

A Lagrangian coherent eddy atlas for biogeochemical applications in the North Pacific Subtropical Gyre

Abstract. Mesoscale eddies affect phytoplankton in several ways, including the horizontal dispersal and mixing of populations. Coherent eddies trap and contain fluid masses, whereas other eddies mix more freely with surrounding waters. To evaluate the role of lateral dispersal and trapping on the biogeochemical properties of eddies, we must accurately characterize their coherency. We employed a Lagrangian approach to identify materially coherent structures in remote sensing observations and developed a methodology to track them over their entire individual lifetimes. We provide an atlas of two decades of coherent eddies with an 8 d resolution in an intensely studied region of the North Pacific Subtropical Gyre (Jones-Kellett, 2023a, https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.8139149). The atlas was specifically designed to facilitate biogeochemical applications and was synchronized with available ocean color products. We identified coherent features using backward Lagrangian trajectories because the recent history of coherency (rather than the future coherency) will be most valuable for interpreting associated biogeochemical signatures. We compared the atlas of Lagrangian coherent eddies with an atlas of Eulerian eddies identified using the more conventionally used Sea Level Anomaly method. Although 65 % of tracked Sea Level Anomaly eddies are classified as coherent at some point in their lifetime, only 54 % contain a Lagrangian coherent structure at any given time. We found similar variations in the temporal and spatial distributions of coherent and Sea Level Anomaly eddies. However, strictly coherent eddies have a clearer relationship between size and longevity and form distinct regional regimes based on polarity. We illustrate the potential of the coherent eddy atlas for biogeochemical applications by examining the relationship between bloom development and eddy evolution in a case study of a Hawaiian Lee cyclone.

Coherence, purity and correlation for superconducting charge qubits

In a model consisting of two superconducting charge qubits (SC-Qs), we study how the Josephson energy (JE) and temperature have an influence on the coherence, the degree of mixedness, and the nonclassical correlation. In this example, we show how the quantumness metrics change depending on the JE and the temperature. We also show that the number of quantifiers can be controlled by appropriate selection of the JE of the SC-Q and temperature effect. Additionally, we determine the optimal conditions required to enhance and preserve the coherence and maintain the level of coherence in the existence of temperature variations. We observe important quantum phenomena, i.e., coherence trapping and the quantum correlation trapping. Furthermore, we explain the variations in the coherence based on the degree of mixedness in the superconducting qubit state.

Optical trapping in air on a single interference fringe

Stable and reproducible trapping in air of 1μm and 500 nm dielectric particles has been realized using a dual beam optical fiber tweezers with cleaved commercial single mode fibers. The influence of the interference fringes of the two coherent and counter-propagating trapping beam is investigated by controlling the fringe visibility. Optical trapping on a series of up to 10 fringes or trapping on only one to two fringes has been observed in distinct experiments. High axial trapping efficiencies of up to 1 nN μm−1W−1 is observed. The experimental results are supported by numerical simulations.

A perspective on integrated atomo-photonic waveguide circuits

Integrated photonic circuits based on suspended photonic rib waveguides, which can be used for coherent trapping, guiding, and splitting of ultra-cold neutral atoms in two-color evanescent light fields near their surfaces, are described. Configurations of quantum inertial sensors based on such integrated atomo-photonic waveguides, which are simultaneously guiding photons and atoms along the same paths, are presented. The difference between free-space and guided atom interferometers in the presence of external forces is explained. The theoretical and technological challenges, to be overcome on the way to the realization of such a platform for quantum technologies, are discussed.

Acoustically induced coherent spin trapping.

Spin centers are promising qubits for quantum technologies. Here, we show that the acoustic manipulation of spin qubits in their electronic excited state provides an approach for coherent spin control inaccessible so far. We demonstrate a giant interaction between the strain field of a surface acoustic wave (SAW) and the excited-state spin of silicon vacancies in silicon carbide, which is about two orders of magnitude stronger than in the ground state. The simultaneous spin driving in the ground and excited states with the same SAW leads to the trapping of the spin along a direction given by the frequency detuning from the corresponding spin resonances. The coherence of the spin-trapped states becomes only limited by relaxation processes intrinsic to the ground state. The coherent acoustic manipulation of spins in the ground and excited state provides new opportunities for efficient on-chip quantum information protocols and coherent sensing.

Quantum interference near bismuth-chalcogenide microstructures

In this work, we show that the quantum interference between two spontaneous emission channels can be greatly enhanced when a three-level V-type quantum emitter is placed near the bismuth chalcogenide ( B i 2 T e 3 ). Namely, we calculated the degree of quantum interference for quantum emitters placed in the vicinity of a planar surface of a B i 2 T e 3 slab, as well as near a B i 2 T e 3 microsphere. We found, in particular, that the degree of quantum interference assumes very high values, for both geometries, which is a result of the strong dependence of the spontaneous emission rate on the orientation of a quantum-emitter dipole relative to the B i 2 T e 3 surface, at the frequencies of polaritonic-type excitations. These particular high values of quantum interference can trigger a variety of phenomena associated with quantum interference of spontaneous-emission channels, such as lasing without inversion, coherent populations trapping, transparency, nonlinearities, and so forth.

Entanglement control via coherent population trapping in the closed –loop quantum systems

In this research, the disentanglement conditions between the coated atom and its spontaneous emission in double- lambda quantum system was investigated. Initially, the entanglement increased due to the interaction between the laser fields and the four- level atom. This entanglement can be controlled by changing the intensity of the applied fields. By applying the two coupling fields, the system is entangled and the system would be disentangled with one coupling field and one probe field. The present research demonstrated that spontaneous emission by changing the population of atoms in the alignments is a good source of entanglement, but fields were manipulated in such a way that this entanglement was reduced by coherent trapping of the population for the atoms.

Superconducting levitation of a mg-scale cavity mirror

We demonstrate an optomechanical platform based on a levitated small high reflective (HR)-coated mirror above a superconductor disk. We use this levitated mirror at ambient condition to detect the magnetic field with a sensitivity of 370 pT /Hz. Moreover, the levitated mirror is used as the end mirror of a Fabry–Pérot cavity to create an optical resonance that could be used to study coherent radiation pressure forces. The platform provides a sensitive tool to measure the various forces exerted on the mirror and it offers the possibility of the coherent optical trapping of macroscopic objects.

Autogenic single p/n-junction solar cells from black-Si nano-grass structures of p-to-n type self-converted electronic configuration.

Photovoltaic performance of solar cells automatically improves when the absorber layer itself simultaneously acts as the anti-reflection nanostructure with an enhanced active absorber area on the front surface. Combined physical and chemical etching of p-c-Si wafers by (Ar + H2) plasma in inductively coupled low-pressure plasma CVD produces various nanostructures with subsequent minimization of reflectance. At a reduced temperature, the rate constant of thermal diffusion of atomic-H in the Si-network becomes smaller, leading to enhanced chemical etching reactions that further increase at an elevated RF power. Regrowth of the SiHn precursors produced by etching and subsequent hydrogenation in the plasma develops a high density of elongated nano-grass structures, which further align with sharp tips via Ar+ ion bombardment and elimination of loosely bound amorphous over-layers, on application of negative dc substrate bias during real-time etching and regrowth. A significantly reduced reflectance (∼0.5%) via coherent light trapping within the uniformly distributed vertically aligned nano-grass surfaces evolves truly black-silicon (b-Si) nanostructures, which further self-convert from the p-type to n-type electronic configuration via etching-mediated modification of B-H bonds from BH1 to BH2 and/or BH3 states, producing autogenic p/n junctions. Using (Ar + H2) plasma etched b-Si nano-grass structures at low temperature (∼200 °C), one-step fabrication of autogenic single p/n-junction proof-of-concept solar cells is accomplished. There is plenty of room for further progress in device performance.

Entropy squeezing and coherence for a non-Markovian dissipative qubit system

We examine the impact of the non-Markovian environment on the dynamical behavior of the quantum coherence and entropy squeezing considering a two-level atomic system (qubit) immersed in a reservoir with zero-temperature for two types of non-Markovian environments. We consider a cavity little off-resonance with the transition frequency of the qubit and the case of a non-perfect photonic band gap (PBG). We show that the amount of coherence is dependent on the structure of the environment and influenced through the memory effects. We obtain that the delay and revival of the coherence loss might take place by controlling the detuning of the cavity-qubit system. Whereas, a partial coherence trapping occurs in non-ideal PBG and the decrease of the gap width will destroy the coherence. On the other hand, we show the situation for which the squeezing is occurring and enhanced with respect to the main parameters for the system. Finally, we display the monotonic dependence of the quantum coherence and squeezing on the main model parameters.

Coherent trapping in small quantum networks

We consider a three-node fully connected network (Delta network) showing that a coherent population trapping phenomenon occurs, generalizing results for the Lambda network known to support a dark state. Transport in such structures provides signatures of detrapping, which can be triggered by external controls. In the presence of an environment it turns out to be sensitive to its Markovianity. Adiabatic modulation of the system’s parameters may yield coherent population transfer, analogous to the stimulated Raman adiabatic passage phenomenon. Robustness of this protocol against non-adiabatic transitions is studied. Coherent nanostructures where these phenomena are relevant for quantum transport and quantum protocols are suggested.

Weak Measurement-Assisted Coherence Enhancement with Initial System-Environment Correlation

We study the coherence dynamics of a two-level atom interacting with a zero temperature reservoir beyond the initial factorization assumption. An exact analytic solution for the reduced dynamics of a two-level system in this model has been obtained. It is shown that the initial correlations can improve the coherence in both Markovian and non-Markovian regimes. Moreover, the performance of weak measurement and quantum measurement reversal can further enhance the coherence. Remarkably, the system’s coherence approach to a steady value in the long time limit. This phenomenon of “coherence trapping” originates from the fact that the quantum measurement reversal functions as a coherent driving and retrieves the coherence.

Coherence and squeezing of a two-level system with a phase jump

By using the exact analytical solution and exploring the effect of ultra-short strong pulses in the presence of an external classical field for a two-level atom, we discuss the influence of the phase jump on the behavior of the atomic inversion, coherence and squeezing entropy during the time evolution of various pulse shapes. We show the optimal conditions to attain the phenomenon of coherence trapping. Moreover, we identify the range of physical parameters required for squeezing and its enhancement. The few-cycle pulses present new interesting features for controlling the physical quantities and are a good candidate to perform quantum optics tasks.

High-resolution spectroscopy of single nuclear spins via sequential weak measurements

Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) of single spins have recently been detected by quantum sensors. However, the spectral resolution has been limited by the sensor’s relaxation to a few kHz at room temperature. This can be improved by using quantum memories, at the expense of sensitivity. In contrast, classical signals can be measured with exceptional spectral resolution by using continuous measurement techniques, without compromising sensitivity. When applied to single-spin NMR, it is critical to overcome the impact of back action inherent of quantum measurement. Here we report sequential weak measurements on a single 13C nuclear spin. The back-action causes the spin to undergo a quantum dynamics phase transition from coherent trapping to coherent oscillation. Single-spin NMR at room-temperature with a spectral resolution of 3.8 Hz is achieved. These results enable the use of measurement-correlation schemes for the detection of very weakly coupled single spins.

Characterization of coherent population-trapped states in a circuit-QED Λ system

We examine coherent population trapping in a circuit-QED system consisting of an Al/${\mathrm{AlO}}_{x}$/Al transmon qubit embedded in an Al three-dimensional cavity. By engineering the dissipation rate of the cavity to be much larger than that of the qubit and continuously pumping a two-photon process to an excited state of the cavity-qubit system, we are able to invert the population into the qubit excited state with a fidelity of 94%. Applying a second continuous drive tone at the dressed cavity frequency forms an effective $\mathrm{\ensuremath{\Lambda}}$ system and enables us to coherently trap the system in a dark state formed from a superposition of the excited and ground states of the qubit. By performing quantum state tomography we demonstrate that the position of the dark state on the Bloch sphere can be controlled by changing the relative amplitudes and phases of the two drives.

Coherent structural trapping through wave packet dispersion during photoinduced spin state switching

The description of ultrafast nonadiabatic chemical dynamics during molecular photo-transformations remains challenging because electronic and nuclear configurations impact each other and cannot be treated independently. Here we gain experimental insights, beyond the Born–Oppenheimer approximation, into the light-induced spin-state trapping dynamics of the prototypical [Fe(bpy)3]2+ compound by time-resolved X-ray absorption spectroscopy at sub-30-femtosecond resolution and high signal-to-noise ratio. The electronic decay from the initial optically excited electronic state towards the high spin state is distinguished from the structural trapping dynamics, which launches a coherent oscillating wave packet (265 fs period), clearly identified as molecular breathing. Throughout the structural trapping, the dispersion of the wave packet along the reaction coordinate reveals details of intramolecular vibronic coupling before a slower vibrational energy dissipation to the solution environment. These findings illustrate how modern time-resolved X-ray absorption spectroscopy can provide key information to unravel dynamic details of photo-functional molecules.

Generation of spin polarized currents with coherent trapping in magnetic semiconductors

A semiconductor heterostructure consisting of two quantum wells, one of them magnetically doped, is proposed for the generation of spin currents by two lasers tuned at the resonances formed between two lowest energy states (1 and 2) and the continuum (3), which are set by design to be in a like configuration. By numerically simulating the proposed structure under the action of the laser fields, we are able to observe the formation of a quasi-dark state near the resonance. The structure’s design has been idealized as to place state 2 in the magnetically doped quantum-well, where a constant magnetic field breaks the electronic spin degeneracy, leading to the giant Zeeman splitting. This ensures that only one of the electronic spins is driven into a dark resonance, thus blocking it from escaping the system. The other spin is free to escape, so that a spin polarized photocurrent is generated. The polarization can be switched by changing the frequency of the controlling laser. Since this kind of trapping is based on quantum interference, the switching times are expected to be fast. In our simulation, we do not simplify the structure down to level modeling, rather we simulate the full structure under time dependent oscillating laser fields and then identify the signatures that indicate a three-level like behavior. We based our search for the structure on real doping parameters found in real materials used in the literature, however the idea relies on the potential profiles studied, and the presence of the giant splitting, regardless of the underlying material that may be used.

Trapping of coherence and entanglement in photonic band-gaps

We investigate the coherence trapping of a two-level atom transversally interacting with a reservoir with a photonic band-gap structure function. We then focus on the multipartite entanglement dynamics via genuinely multipartite concurrence among N independent atoms each locally coupled with its own reservoir. By considering the Lorentzian width and the system size, we find that for the resonant and near-resonant conditions, the increase of Lorentzian width and the decrease of system size can lead to the occurrence of coherence trapping and entanglement trapping. By choosing the multipartite GHZ state as atomic initial state, we show that the multipartite entanglement may exhibit entanglement sudden death depending on the initial condition and the system size. In addition, we also analyze how the crossover behaviors of two dynamical regimes are influenced by the Lorentzian width and the weight ratio, in terms of the non-Markovianity.

Physically feasible three-level transitionless quantum driving with multiple Schrödinger dynamics

Three-level quantum systems, which possess some unique characteristics beyond two-level ones, such as electromagnetically induced transparency, coherent trapping, and Raman scatting, play important roles in solid-state quantum information processing. Here, we introduce an approach to implement the physically feasible three-level transitionless quantum driving with multiple Schr\"{o}dinger dynamics (MSDs). It can be used to control accurately population transfer and entanglement generation for three-level quantum systems in a nonadiabatic way. Moreover, we propose an experimentally realizable hybrid architecture, based on two nitrogen-vacancy-center ensembles coupled to a transmission line resonator, to realize our transitionless scheme which requires fewer physical resources and simple procedures, and it is more robust against environmental noises and control parameter variations than conventional adiabatic passage techniques. All these features inspire the further application of MSDs on robust quantum information processing in experiment.

Uncondensed atoms in the regime of velocity-selective coherent population trapping

We consider the model of a Bose condensate in the regime of velocity-selective coherent population trapping. As a result of interaction between particles, some fraction of atoms is outside the condensate, remaining in the coherent trapping state. These atoms are involved in brief events of intense interaction with external resonant electromagnetic fields. Intense induced and spontaneous transitions are accompanied by the exchange of momenta between atoms and radiation, which is manifested as migration of atoms in the velocity space. The rate of such migration is calculated. A nonlinear kinetic equation for the many-particle statistical operator for uncondensed atoms is derived under the assumption that correlations of atoms with different momenta are insignificant. The structure of its steady-state solution leads to certain conclusions about the above-mentioned migration pattern taking the Bose statistics into consideration. With allowance for statistical effects, we derive nonlinear integral equations for frequencies controlling the migration. The results of numerical solution of these equations are represented in the weak interatomic interaction approximation.