Multiband Features in Matter-Wave Decay

Experiments with ultracold atoms in state-selective optical lattices allow for the simulation of spontaneous emission of single quanta [1, 2], a phenomenon that traditionally was exclusive to quantum optics. The multiband structure of the lattice in which a quantum of radiation is emitted can have dramatic effects on the characteristics of the emission/decay process. When the quantum is repeatedly reabsorbed and reemitted by an emitter array, a more complex band structure arises altogether. We present a way to model these multiband effects and compare them with the experiments.

[1] L. Krinner, M. Stewart, A. Pazmiño, J. Kwon, D. Schneble, Nature 559, 598 (2018). 

[2] M. Stewart, J. Kwon, A. Lanuza, D, Schneble, Phys. Rev. Research 2, 043307 (2020).