2016/03/22 by M. Bitter, Martin Bitter, Valery Milner
Physics and Astronomy · #Advanced Fiber Laser Technologies #Amplitude #Anderson localization #Angular momentum #Atomic physics #Classical mechanics #Excited state #Femtosecond #Laser #Laser-Matter Interactions and Applications #Laser-Plasma Interactions and Diagnostics #Mechanics #Physics #Quantum #Quantum mechanics #Raman scattering #Raman spectroscopy #Rotational energy #Scattering #Supersonic speed #physics.optics #quant-ph
paper · pdf · doi:10.1103/physrevlett.117.144104
published as Phys. Rev. Lett. 117, 144104 (2016) · 4 figures
arxiv created 2016/03/22 · openalex publication_date 2016/09/29 · arxiv updated 2016/10/05 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/08/05
The periodically kicked rotor is a paradigm system for studying quantum effects on classically chaotic dynamics. The wave function of the quantum rotor localizes in angular momentum space, similarly to Anderson localization of the electronic wave function in disordered solids. Here, we observe dynamical localization in a system of true quantum rotors by subjecting nitrogen molecules to periodic sequences of femtosecond pulses. Exponential distribution of the molecular angular momentum-the hallmark of dynamical localization-is measured directly by means of coherent Raman scattering. We demonstrate the suppressed rotational energy growth with the number of laser kicks and study the dependence of the localization length on the kick strength. Because of its quantum coherent nature, both timing and amplitude noise are shown to destroy the localization and revive the diffusive growth of energy.