• Letter

Interferometric control of nanorotor alignment

Birthe Schrinski, Benjamin A. Stickler, and Klaus Hornberger
Phys. Rev. A 105, L021502 – Published 17 February 2022

Abstract

The intrinsically nonlinear rotation dynamics of rigid bodies offer unprecedented ways to exploit their quantum motion. In this Letter, we devise a rotational analog of Mach-Zehnder interferometry, which allows steering symmetric rotors from fully aligned to completely antialigned. The scheme uses a superposition of four distinct orientations, emerging at the eighth of the quantum revival time, whose interference can be controlled by a weak laser pulse. We develop a semiclassical model of the effect and demonstrate that it persists even in presence of imperfections and decoherence.

  • Figure
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  • Received 1 October 2021
  • Accepted 2 February 2022

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevA.105.L021502

©2022 American Physical Society

Physics Subject Headings (PhySH)

Atomic, Molecular & OpticalGeneral Physics

Authors & Affiliations

Birthe Schrinski, Benjamin A. Stickler, and Klaus Hornberger

  • University of Duisburg-Essen, Faculty of Physics, Lotharstraße 1, 47048 Duisburg, Germany

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Issue

Vol. 105, Iss. 2 — February 2022

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