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Time reversal in matter-wave optics

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Abstract.

The evolution of atomic wave packets experiencing so-called comoving potential pulses is examined theoretically, in the framework of the stationary-phase approximation. The negative refraction induced by this potential is a characteristic property of negative-index media, the atomic counterpart of negative-index materials of light optics. A novel process, specific of negative-index for matter waves, is evidenced, namely a narrowing of the wave packet transiently counterbalancing the natural spreading. This is the manifestation of a general property of negative-index media, i.e. a time reversal effect. It is shown that, for a statistical ensemble of wave packets leading to a moderate dispersion of the times of flight, this time reversal phenomenon should be observable.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Laboratoire de Physique des Lasers (CNRS-UMR 7538), Université Paris 13, 99 Av. J.B. Clément, 93430, Villetaneuse, France

    M. Hamamda, F. Perales, G. Dutier, C. Mainos, J. Baudon & M. Ducloy

  2. Department of Physics, Umm Al-Qura University, Mekkah, Saudi Arabia

    M. Boustimi

Authors
  1. M. Hamamda
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  2. F. Perales
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  3. G. Dutier
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  4. C. Mainos
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  5. J. Baudon
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  6. M. Boustimi
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  7. M. Ducloy
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to J. Baudon.

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Hamamda, M., Perales, F., Dutier, G. et al. Time reversal in matter-wave optics. Eur. Phys. J. D 61, 321–325 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1140/epjd/e2010-10566-3

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1140/epjd/e2010-10566-3

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