Abstract

The Quantum Driven Pendulum can be implemented using laser cooled rubidium atoms which are exposed to a far detuned amplitude modulated standing wave [1]. This system allows controlled variation of the effective Planck's constant and the amount of coupling to the environment (decoherence). Therefore it is possible to undertake experiments in both classical and quantum regimes of the dynamics of these atoms. The potential can be extremely well approximated as one-dimensional, making the system ideal for simulation using a master equation or quantum trajectories. The dynamics of the system feature distinct regions of regular motion (second order resonances) bounded by a sea of chaos. The resonances are observed as side peaks in the atomic momentum distribution, which each contain up to 30% of the atoms initially in the trap.

© 2000 IEEE