Abstract

The early quantum theory of electrical conductivity in crystal lattices by Bloch and Zener [1] led to the striking prediction that a homogeneous static electric field induces an oscillatory rather than uniform motion of the electrons. Here we present Bloch oscillations of atoms in the fundamental and in the first excited energy band of a periodic optical potential [2]. This potential results from the light-shift of the ground state of atoms illuminated by a laser standing wave. The laser is detuned far from any atomic resonance so that spontaneous emission can be neglected.

© 1996 IEEE