Düsseldorf 2007 – scientific programme
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Q: Fachverband Quantenoptik und Photonik
Q 40: Quantengase (Spinor-Gase)
Q 40.4: Talk
Wednesday, March 21, 2007, 14:45–15:00, 6J
Reversible quantum phase dispersion in ultracold spinor gases — •Artur Widera1, Simon Fölling1, Stefan Trotzky1, Patrik Cheinet1, Fabrice Gerbier2, and Immanuel Bloch1 — 1Insitut für Physik; Universität Mainz, 55099 Mainz — 2Laboratoire Kastler Brossel, Département de Physique de l’ENS, Paris 75005, France
Many experiments with ultracold quantum gases are deeply influenced by atom-atom interactions. When interactions are strong enough, they can evolve an initial state without inter-particle correlations into a correlated state. This offers the opportunity for quantum state engineering of non-classical many-body states, with possible applications in quantum information or precision measurements. Here we report on the controlled manipulation of a quantum many-body state in an array of two-component quantum gases. Controllable atomic interactions are used to induce a collective dynamics which affects the quantum distribution of the relative phase between the two components. The ensuing quantum phase dispersion is detected by monitoring the coherence properties of the system through Ramsey interferometry, showing an interaction induced collapse of the Ramsey fringe contrast. We demonstrate the coherent nature of this interaction by timereversal of the dynamics, observing a revival of coherence in the system. Our results point towards the possibility of dynamically creating correlated spin states or even mesoscopic Schrödinger cat states, and moreover have implications on our understanding of decoherence in ultracold atomic systems.