Dynamics of an impurity in a one-dimensional lattice

F Massel, A Kantian, A J Daley, T Giamarchi, P Törmä

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

37 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

We study the non-equilibrium dynamics of an impurity in a harmonic trap that is kicked with a well-defined quasi-momentum, and interacts with a bath of free fermions or interacting bosons in a one-dimensional lattice configuration. Using numerical and analytical techniques we investigate the full dynamics beyond linear response, which allows us to quantitatively characterize states of the impurity in the bath for different parameter regimes. These vary from a tightly bound molecular state in a strongly interacting limit to a polaron (dressed impurity) and a free particle for weak interactions, with composite behaviour in the intermediate regime. These dynamics and different parameter regimes should be readily realizable in systems of cold atoms in optical lattices.

Original languageEnglish
Article number045018
Number of pages25
JournalNew Journal of Physics
Volume15
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Apr 2013

Keywords

  • non-equilibrium dynamics
  • harmonic trap
  • polaron
  • cold atoms
  • optical lattices

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Dynamics of an impurity in a one-dimensional lattice'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this