Year: 2021
Type: article
Abstract: We propose a method to construct a classical analog of an open quantum system, namely, a single quantum particle confined in a potential well and immersed in a thermal bath. The classical analog is made out of a collection of identical wells where classical particles of mass $m$ are trapped. The distribution $n(x,t)$ of the classical positions is used to reconstruct the quantum Bohm potential ${V}_{\mathrm{Bohm}}=\ensuremath{-}\frac{{\ensuremath{\hbar}}^{2}}{2m}\frac{\mathrm{\ensuremath{\Delta}}\sqrt{n}}{\sqrt{n}}$, which in turn acts on the shape of the potential wells. As a result, the classical particles experience an effective ``quantum'' force. This protocol is tested with numerical simulations using single- and double-well potentials, evidencing typical quantum effects such as long-lasting correlations and quantum tunneling. For harmonic confinement, the analogy is implemented experimentally using micron-sized dielectric beads optically trapped by a laser beam.
Source: Physical Review Research
Language: English
Subfield: Atomic and Molecular Physics, and Optics
Field: Physics and Astronomy
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,625
Awards: G1109023570, G1949054838, Par-delà les frontières, l'Université de Strasbourg, G2255650664, G2448992187, G2694206344, G2729097322, Façonner les talents en formation et en recherche à l'Université de Strasbourg, G3188687615, G3310169441, G3357951378, Center of Chemistry of Complex System, G3878587410, G471331628, G4779185514, G4798114250, Quantum Science and Nanomaterials, G6276897512, G7002111755, G7240651115, G783677704, Nanostructures en Interaction avec leur Environnement
OpenAlex ID: W3112415355