Publications [#232538] of Martin Fischer
Journal Articles
- Fischer, MC; Gutiérrez-Medina, B; Raizen, MG, "Observation of the Quantum Zeno and Anti-Zeno Effects in an Unstable System", Physical Review LettersJuly,, 2001, 87(4), 040402, American Physical Society (APS) [doi].
(last updated on 2024/04/24)Author's Comments:
This work has been featured in the Nature science update article by Erica Klarreich, “Watching boils pot,” published online 18 July 2001. It was also featured in the Technology Research News article by Eric Smalley, “Watched quantum pot boils slower,” published online 5 September 2001.Abstract:
We report the first observation of the quantum Zeno and anti-Zeno effects in an unstable system. Cold sodium atoms are trapped in a far-detuned standing wave of light that is accelerated for a controlled duration. For a large acceleration the atoms can escape the trapping potential via tunneling. Initially the number of trapped atoms shows strong nonexponential decay features, evolving into the characteristic exponential decay behavior. We repeatedly measure the number of atoms remaining trapped during the initial period of nonexponential decay. Depending on the frequency of measurements we observe a decay that is suppressed or enhanced as compared to the unperturbed system.