Gaussian Wave Packet Research Articles

Tomographic Description of a Quantum Wave Packet in an Accelerated Frame.

The tomography of a single quantum particle (i.e., a quantum wave packet) in an accelerated frame is studied. We write the Schrödinger equation in a moving reference frame in which acceleration is uniform in space and an arbitrary function of time. Then, we reduce such a problem to the study of spatiotemporal evolution of the wave packet in an inertial frame in the presence of a homogeneous force field but with an arbitrary time dependence. We demonstrate the existence of a Gaussian wave packet solution, for which the position and momentum uncertainties are unaffected by the uniform force field. This implies that, similar to in the case of a force-free motion, the uncertainty product is unaffected by acceleration. In addition, according to the Ehrenfest theorem, the wave packet centroid moves according to classic Newton’s law of a particle experiencing the effects of uniform acceleration. Furthermore, as in free motion, the wave packet exhibits a diffraction spread in the configuration space but not in momentum space. Then, using Radon transform, we determine the quantum tomogram of the Gaussian state evolution in the accelerated frame. Finally, we characterize the wave packet evolution in the accelerated frame in terms of optical and simplectic tomogram evolution in the related tomographic space.

Dissipative motion of Gaussian ‎wavepackets: free propagation and ‎transmission through a rectangular ‎barrier

Ignoring thermal fluctuations of the environment, taking into account only its dissipative effects, free propagation of a Gaussian wavepacket is studied in the framework of the linear Caldirola-Kanai (CK) equation and non-linear equations, the Schrodinger-Langevin (SL) equation, known as Kostin equation, and the Schuch-Chung-Hartmann (SCH) equation. By a Gaussian ansatz for the probability density one obtains two equations, one for the evolution of the center of the wave packet which is just the classical Langeving equation and one for the evolution of the width of the wavepacket. This last equation has different forms in different approaches having only an analytic solution in the CK and SCH frameworks. Computations show that for a given friction, the width of the wavepacket increases with time in all approaches. In a given time, it reduces with friction in both CK and SL approaches revealing localization effects of dissipation, while has opposite behavior in the SCH approach. Furthermore, energy expectation value and its time-derivative is computed and compared in all approaches. It is shown that the rate of energy is given by the expectation value of momentum field in the SL framework. Finally, transmission of a Gaussian wavepacket from a rectangular barrier is numerically studied in the context of CK and compared to the non-dissipative case. The transmission decreases considerably with the dissipation.

Quantum State Evolution in an Environment of Cosmological Perturbations

We study the pure and thermal states of quantized scalar and tensor perturbations in various epochs of Universe evolution. We calculate the density matrix of non-relativistic particles in an environment of these perturbations. We show that particle’s motion can be described by a stochastic equation with a noise coming from the cosmological environment. We investigate the squeezing of Gaussian wave packets in different epochs and its impact on the noise of quantized cosmological perturbations.

Projectile motion of surface gravity water wave packets: An analogy to quantum mechanics

We study phase contributions of wave functions that occur in the evolution of Gaussian surface gravity water wave packets with nonzero initial momenta propagating in the presence and absence of an effective external linear potential. Our approach takes advantage of the fact that in contrast to matter waves, water waves allow us to measure both their amplitudes and phases.

Multi-layer Gaussian-based multi-configuration time-dependent Hartree (ML-GMCTDH) simulations of ultrafast charge separation in a donor-acceptor complex.

We report on first applications of the Multi-Layer Gaussian-based Multi-Configuration Time-Dependent Hartree (ML-GMCTDH) method [Römer et al., J. Chem. Phys. 138, 064106 (2013)] beyond its basic two-layer variant. The ML-GMCTDH scheme provides an embedding of a variationally evolving Gaussian wavepacket basis into a hierarchical tensor representation of the wavefunction. A first-principles parameterized model Hamiltonian for ultrafast non-adiabatic dynamics in an oligothiophene-fullerene charge transfer complex is employed, relying on a two-state linear vibronic coupling model that combines a distribution of tuning type modes with an intermolecular coordinate that also modulates the electronic coupling. Efficient ML-GMCTDH simulations are carried out for up to 300 vibrational modes using an implementation within the QUANTICS program. Excellent agreement with reference ML-MCTDH calculations is obtained.

Finite-Temperature, Anharmonicity, and Duschinsky Effects on the Two-Dimensional Electronic Spectra from Ab Initio Thermo-Field Gaussian Wavepacket Dynamics.

Accurate description of finite-temperature vibrational dynamics is indispensable in the computation of two-dimensional electronic spectra. Such simulations are often based on the density matrix evolution, statistical averaging of initial vibrational states, or approximate classical or semiclassical limits. While many practical approaches exist, they are often of limited accuracy and difficult to interpret. Here, we use the concept of thermo-field dynamics to derive an exact finite-temperature expression that lends itself to an intuitive wavepacket-based interpretation. Furthermore, an efficient method for computing finite-temperature two-dimensional spectra is obtained by combining the exact thermo-field dynamics approach with the thawed Gaussian approximation for the wavepacket dynamics, which is exact for any displaced, distorted, and Duschinsky-rotated harmonic potential but also accounts partially for anharmonicity effects in general potentials. Using this new method, we directly relate a symmetry breaking of the two-dimensional signal to the deviation from the conventional Brownian oscillator picture.

Nonadiabatic Excited-State Molecular Dynamics Methodologies: Comparison and Convergence.

Direct atomistic simulation of nonadiabatic molecular dynamics is a challenging goal that allows important insights into fundamental physical phenomena. A variety of frameworks, ranging from fully quantum treatment of nuclei to semiclassical and mixed quantum-classical approaches, were developed. These algorithms are then coupled to specific electronic structure techniques. Such diversity and lack of standardized implementation make it difficult to compare the performance of different methodologies when treating realistic systems. Here, we compare three popular methods for large chromophores: Ehrenfest, surface hopping, and multiconfigurational Ehrenfest with ab initio multiple cloning (MCE-AIMC). These approaches are implemented in the NEXMD software, which features a common computational chemistry model. The resulting comparisons reveal the method performance for population relaxation and coherent vibronic dynamics. Finally, we study the numerical convergence of MCE-AIMC algorithms by considering the number of trajectories, cloning thresholds, and Gaussian wavepacket width. Our results provide helpful reference data for selecting an optimal methodology for simulating excited-state molecular dynamics.

Evaluating Bohm’s quantum force in the scattering process by a classical potential

In this work, we show an application of the de Broglie–Bohm quantum theory of motion (QTM) as a powerful tool for evaluating Bohm’s quantum force in the scattering process of a Gaussian wavepacket by a classical Eckart potential. Our results show that in the absence of a classical potential, the system experiences quantum effects arising from an effective force, intrinsically related to the existence of the wavepacket itself. In contrast, in the scattering by the classical potential, it experiences a quantum force effect even in the absence of any classical force, reinforcing the fact that potentials can act without classical force fields. Thus, this application could be useful to introduce QTM, through the discussion of the concept of Bohm’s quantum force, as a classroom working tool instead of merely an alternative interpretation of the quantum theory.

Quasiphotons for the Nonstationary 2D Dirac Equation

Asymptotic expansions are obtained for the solution of the (2+1)-dimensional nonstationary Dirac equation describing the wave function of a massive fermion in graphene, placed in an external inhomogeneous electric and magnetic field. The semiclassical asymptotics of the solution of the Cauchy problem for this equation with rapidly oscillating and rapidly decreasing initial data are found. This made it possible to find quasiphotons asymptotic solutions describing Gaussian wave packets concentrated near a point running along a semiclassical trajectory.

Zitterbewegung effect in graphene with spacially modulated potential

The Zitterbewegung (ZB) effect is investigated in graphene with spacially modulated potential near the original Dirac point (ODP) and extra Dirac points (EDPs). Our calculations show that to get the large ZB oscillations, the wave packet center must be at the angle $\theta_0=0$ for EDPs located at zero-energy, or $\theta_0=\pi/2$ for both ODP and EDPs at finite energy $\varepsilon=m\pi$ ($m$ integer). By varying the parameters ($q_2, \mathbb{V}$) of the periodic potential and the initial momentum ($\kappa_0, \theta_0$) of Gaussian wave packet, it is found that the frequency of the ZB oscillations is in the range $[10^{7}~\text{Hz}, 10^{13}~\text{Hz}$] depending on what type of EDP is generated and the amplitude reaches hundreds of angstroms but their attenuation becomes very slow. More analysis of the frequency shows the possibilities in experimentally realizing the ZB effect in our system.

Fast Multiscale Gaussian Beam Method for Three-Dimensional Elastic Wave Equations in Bounded Domains

Related DatabasesWeb of Science You must be logged in with an active subscription to view this.Article DataHistorySubmitted: 14 December 2020Accepted: 28 June 2021Published online: 04 October 2021Keywordsmultiscale Gaussian wavepacket transform, multiscale Gaussian beam, elastic waves, eikonal equationsAMS Subject Headings65N30, 65M60Publication DataISSN (print): 0036-1429ISSN (online): 1095-7170Publisher: Society for Industrial and Applied MathematicsCODEN: sjnaam

Effect of zitterbewegung on the propagation of wave packets in ABC-stacked multilayer graphene: an analytical and computational approach

The time evolution of a low-energy two-dimensional Gaussian wave packet in ABC-stacked n-layer graphene (ABC-NLG) is investigated. Expectation values of the position (x, y) of center-of-mass and the total probability densities of the wave packet are calculated analytically using the Green’s function method. These results are confirmed using an alternative numerical method based on the split-operator technique within the Dirac approach for ABC-NLG, which additionally allows to include external fields and potentials. The main features of the zitterbewegung (trembling motion) of wave packets in graphene are demonstrated and are found to depend not only on the wave packet width and initial pseudospin polarization, but also on the number of layers. Moreover, the analytical and numerical methods proposed here allow to investigate wave packet dynamics in graphene systems with an arbitrary number of layers and arbitrary potential landscapes.

Control of arrival time using structured wave packets

Scattering dynamics are examined for Gaussian and non-Gaussian wave packets with identical momentum densities. Average arrival time delays, dwell times, and phase time delays are calculated for wave packets scattering from a square barrier, and it is shown that the non-Gaussian wave packets exhibit different average arrival time delays than the Gaussian wave packets. These differences result from the non-linear terms in the momentum wave function phase of the non-Gaussian wave packets, which alters the self-interaction times of the wave packets. Control of the average arrival time delay can be achieved through adjustment of the momentum wave function phase, independent of wave packet energy and momentum density.

Fractional Young double-slit numerical experiment with Gaussian wavepackets

In the present work, we consider the transmission properties of a Gaussian wavepacket when transmits through few double and multi-slit systems in a fractional medium. For this purpose, we have solved the two-dimensional fractional Schrodinger equation utilizing a split-step Fourier method. Then, we have investigated the effects of different parameters such as the number of slits, slit width, barrier width, layer width, layer heights, fractional order, and wavepacket width on the transmission coefficient, and wavepacket evolution.

Microscopic calculations for Be isotopes within real-time evolution method

The Be isotopes with $$\alpha $$ + $$\alpha $$ + valence neutrons clustering structure are studied within the Real-time Evolution Method (REM). By solving the equation-of-motion (EOM) of the Gaussian wave packets involving the complex spatial coordinates and spin variables, various molecular configurations are obtained and then are superposed in the Generator Coordinate Method (GCM). The obtained energy spectra from Be isotopes are better than those from other cluster models and also basically consistent with experiments. It is found the real-time evolution method provides us with an effective way to choose basis wave functions for dealing with the multi-neutron molecular structures of Be isotopes.

Comment on “The negative flow of probability” [Am. J. Phys. 88, 325–333 (2020)

The left-to-right motion of a free quantum Gaussian wave packet can be accompanied by the right-to-left flow of the probability density, the effect recently studied by Villanueva. Using the Wigner representation of the wave packet, we analyze the effect in phase space and demonstrate that its physical origin is rooted in classical mechanics.

Integrated Quantum-Walk Structure and NAND Tree on a Photonic Chip.

In the age of the post-Moore era, the next-generation computing model would be a hybrid architecture consisting of different physical components, such as photonic chips. In 2008, it was proposed that the solving of the NAND-tree problem can be sped up by quantum walk. This scheme is groundbreaking due to the universality of the NAND gate. However, experimental demonstration has not been achieved so far, mostly due to the challenge in preparing the propagating initial state. Here we propose an alternative solution by including a structure called a "quantum slide," where a propagating Gaussian wave packet can be generated deterministically along a properly engineered chain. In our experimental demonstration, the optical NAND tree is capable of solving computational problems with a total of four input bits, based on the femtosecond laser 3D direct-writing technique on a photonic chip. These results remove one main roadblock to photonic NAND-tree computation, and the construction of a quantum slide may find other interesting applications in quantum information and quantum optics.

Propagation of self-accelerating Hermite complex-variable-function Gaussian wave packets in highly nonlocal nonlinear media

The evolution dynamic properties of self-accelerating Hermite complex-variable-function Gaussian (SHCG) wave packets in highly nonlocal nonlinear media are investigated. Analytical results from a $$(3+1)$$ -dimensional Snyder–Mitchell model show that various SHCG wave packets carrying multi-order vortices rotate smoothly. Increasing the distribution factor will cause the intensity layout to cluster more closely around the center, while the vortices will be farther away. The SHCG wave packets can reverse the positions of their temporal side lobes. The role of the power ratio in determining the rotation period and the angular velocity is also discussed. Furthermore, numerical results of the nonlocal nonlinear Schrodinger equation are simulated to illustrate the effects of different nonlocalities and initial perturbations. The SHCG wave packets show interesting features during propagation, which can provide new ideas for the regulation of the multi-dimensional optical field.

Discrete optical propagation in one-dimensional synthetic mesh lattice

Synthetic mesh lattice (SML) with temporally controlled potential is a versatile platform for realizing wave dynamics associated with physical areas of optics and quantum physics. Here, discrete optics in one-dimensional synthetic photonic lattice is investigated systematically, in which the light behavior is highly analogous to that in evanescently coupled one-dimensional discrete waveguides. Such a synthetic dimension is constructed with position-dependent periodic effective gauge fields based on the Aharonov–Bohm effect arising from the phase accumulation of the fiber loops. By tuning the phase accumulation and coupling coefficient of the coupler, the band translation and gap property can be modulated, which further results in the impulse and tailored Gaussian wave packet responses as well as Talbot recurrences. In addition, Bloch oscillations and Anderson localization can also be obtained when the phase accumulations are linearly changed and weakly modulated in a random manner, respectively. The periodic effective gauge fields configuration in our protocol enables SML to be a research platform for one-dimensional dynamically modulated elements or even non-Hermitian waveguides.

A Quasi-linear Diffusion Model for Resonant Wave–Particle Instability in Homogeneous Plasma

Abstract In this paper, we develop a model to describe the generalized wave–particle instability in a quasi-neutral plasma. We analyze the quasi-linear diffusion equation for particles by expressing an arbitrary unstable and resonant wave mode as a Gaussian wave packet, allowing for an arbitrary direction of propagation with respect to the background magnetic field. We show that the localized energy density of the Gaussian wave packet determines the velocity-space range in which the dominant wave–particle instability and counteracting damping contributions are effective. Moreover, we derive a relation describing the diffusive trajectories of resonant particles in velocity space under the action of such an interplay between the wave–particle instability and damping. For the numerical computation of our theoretical model, we develop a mathematical approach based on the Crank–Nicolson scheme to solve the full quasi-linear diffusion equation. Our numerical analysis solves the time evolution of the velocity distribution function under the action of a dominant wave–particle instability and counteracting damping and shows a good agreement with our theoretical description. As an application, we use our model to study the oblique fast-magnetosonic/whistler instability, which is proposed as a scattering mechanism for strahl electrons in the solar wind. In addition, we numerically solve the full Fokker–Planck equation to compute the time evolution of the electron-strahl distribution function under the action of Coulomb collisions with core electrons and protons after the collisionless action of the oblique fast-magnetosonic/whistler instability.