Interaction of Wave Packets with an Oscillating Gaussian Barrier

POSTER

Abstract

We use classical, semiclassical, and quantum mechanics to examine a propagating wave packet that encounters an oscillating Gaussian potential barrier. The wave packet can be transmitted, reflected, or partially reflected and partially transmitted. The final wavefunction is constructed both semiclassically and quantum mechanically, and we examine the agreement between these two methods. It is believed that multiple oscillating Gaussian potential barriers may serve as a quantum pumping mechanism for ultracold atoms [1]. We have chosen to study first a simpler case, that of a single oscillating Gaussian barrier, with the intention of using these results for studying cases with multiple barriers.

Authors

  • Tommy Byrd

    • Dept. of Physics, College of William and Mary, Williamsburg, VA

  • Megan Ivory

    • Dept. of Physics, College of William and Mary, Williamsburg, VA

  • Andrew Pyle

    • Dept. of Physics, College of William and Mary, Williamsburg, VA
    • Kutztown University of Pennsylvania

  • Seth Aubin

    • Dept. of Physics, College of William and Mary, Williamsburg, VA
    • College of William and Mary

  • John Delos

    • Dept. of Physics, College of William and Mary, Williamsburg, VA
    • College of William \& Mary

  • Kunal Das

    • Dept. of Physics, Kutztown University, Kutztown, PA

  • Kevin Mitchell

    • Dept. of Physics, UC Merced, Merced, CA
    • University of California, Merced
    • University of California at Merced