Two-dimensional rocking ratchet for cold atoms
Statistical Mechanics
2011-11-29 v1 Quantum Gases
Quantum Physics
Abstract
We investigate experimentally a two-dimensional rocking ratchet for cold atoms, realized by using a driven three-beam dissipative optical lattice. AC forces are applied in perpendicular directions by phase-modulating two of the lattice beams. As predicted by the general theory [S. Denisov et al., Phys. Rev. Lett. 100, 224102 (2008)], we observe a rectification phenomenon unique to high-dimensional rocking ratchets, as determined by two single-harmonic drivings applied in orthogonal directions. Also, by applying two bi-harmonic forces in perpendicular directions, we demonstrate the possibility of generating a current in an arbitrary direction within the optical lattice plane.
Cite
@article{arxiv.1111.6520,
title = {Two-dimensional rocking ratchet for cold atoms},
author = {V. Lebedev and F. Renzoni},
journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:1111.6520},
year = {2011}
}