Using the method of quantum trajectories, we study a quantum chaotic dissipative ratchet appearing for particles in a pulsed asymmetric potential in the presence of a dissipative environment. The system is characterized by directed transport emerging from a quantum strange attractor. This model exhibits, in the limit of small effective Planck constant, a transition from quantum to classical behavior, in agreement with the correspondence principle. We also discuss parameter values suitable for the implementation of the quantum ratchet effect with cold atoms in optical lattices.

• Received 27 July 2004

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.94.164101