Signatures of strong momentum localization via entanglement of translational and internal states

Phys Rev Lett. 2006 Dec 8;97(23):230402. doi: 10.1103/PhysRevLett.97.230402. Epub 2006 Dec 6.

Abstract

We show that atoms or molecules subject to fields that couple their internal and translational (momentum) states may undergo a crossover from randomization (diffusion) to strong localization (sharpening) of their momentum distribution. The predicted crossover should be manifest by a drastic change of the interference pattern as a function of the coupling fields.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't