Experimental realization of quantum zeno dynamics

Year: 2014

Authors: Schafer F., Herrera I., Cherukattil S., Lovecchio C., Cataliotti F.S., Caruso F., Smerzi .A

Autors Affiliation: LENS—Universita` di Firenze, Via Nello Carrara 1, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy; Dipartimento di Fisica ed Astronomia, Via Sansone 1, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy; QSTAR, Largo Enrico Fermi 2, 50125 Firenze, Italy; Istituto Nazionale di Ottica, INO-CNR, Largo Enrico Fermi 2, 50125 Firenze, Italy

Abstract: It is generally impossible to probe a quantum system without disturbing it. However, it is possible to exploit the back action of quantum measurements and strong couplings to tailor and protect the coherent evolution of a quantum system. This is a profound and counter-intuitive phenomenon known as quantum Zeno dynamics. Here we demonstrate quantum Zeno dynamics with a rubidium Bose-Einstein condensate in a five-level Hilbert space. We harness measurements and strong couplings to dynamically disconnect different groups of quantum states and constrain the atoms to coherently evolve inside a two-level subregion. In parallel to the foundational importance due to the realization of a dynamical superselection rule and the theory of quantum measurements, this is an important step forward in protecting and controlling quantum dynamics and, broadly speaking, quantum information processing.

Journal/Review: NATURE COMMUNICATIONS

Volume: 5      Pages from: 3194  to: 3194

More Information: This work was supported by the Seventh Framework Programme for Research of the European Comission, under FET-Open grant MALICIA (265522) and QIBEC (284584). The work of F. C. has been supported by EU FP7 Marie-Curie Programme (Career Integration Grant) and by MIUR-FIRB grant (RBFR10M3SB). We thank M. Inguscio for fruitful discussions and continuous support. We thank M. Schrambock (Atominstitut, TU-Wien) at the ZMNS (TU-Wien) for the realization of the atom chip. QSTAR is the MPQ, LENS, IIT, UniFi Joint Center for Quantum Science and Technology in Arcetri.
DOI: 10.1038/ncomms4194

Citations: 127
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