Gravitational and Quantum Mechanical Phenomena in Surface Gravity Water Waves

by Mr. Gary Rozenman

Tel Aviv University

at Quantum optics seminar

Wed, 29 Dec 2021, 15:00
ZOOM only

Abstract

Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87015704030

Abstract:
The time evolution of a wave function in quantum mechanics is analogous to that of surface gravity water wave pulses. In our studies, we have recently utilized this analogy and have measured the cubic phase of accelerating wave packets in a linear potential for cases of linear and nonlinear propagation, including a case of initial non-zero momenta.
Inspired by these successful experiments, we extend this analogy to a study of electromagnetic fields around black holes and different types of amplitude and phase singularities, including a logarithmic phase singularity. The analogous system in hydrodynamics is obtained by generating Gaussian wave packets that propagate in a time dependent potential which has a shape of an inverted harmonic oscillator. Depending on the wave packet energy with respect to the peak energy of the potential, we observe three different cases: i) wave reflection, in the case of low energy waves. ii) wave stopping when the wave energy matches the potential peak energy or iii) wave transmission, for higher energy waves. We also studied this problem using Weber wave packets, which are the eigenstates of the inverted harmonic oscillator system. An interesting observation is that even without a potential, an initial state which is an energy eigenstate of the inverted harmonic oscillator would evolve in free space until it reaches an amplitude singularity, accompanied by a logarithmic phase singularity.
Furthermore, we propose methods to study the propagation of wave packets in an open system, coupled to the vacuum state. In the latter, we have managed to observe phenomena which is analogous to that of quantum decoherence.
In my talk, I explain the intriguing analogy between quantum mechanical, surface gravity and optical systems, present our latest results on several topics, and discuss possible future experiment.

Created on 26-12-2021 by Folman, Ron (folman)
Updaded on 26-12-2021 by Folman, Ron (folman)