Visualizing spin degrees of freedom in atoms and molecules

作     者：B. I. Davies R. P. Rundle V. M. Dwyer J. H. Samson Todd Tilma M. J. Everitt 

作者机构：Quantum Systems Engineering Research Group Department of Physics Loughborough University Loughborough LE11 3TU United Kingdom The Wolfson School Loughborough University Loughborough LE11 3TU United Kingdom Department of Physics College of Science Tokyo Institute of Technology H-63 2-12-1 Ōokayama Meguro-ku Tokyo 152-8550 Japan Quantum Computing Unit Institute of Innovative Research Tokyo Institute of Technology S1-16 4259 Nagatsuta-cho Midori-ku Yokohama 226-8503 Japan 

出 版 物：《Physical Review A》 (物理学评论A辑：原子、分子和光学物理学)

年 卷 期：2019年第100卷第4期

页      面：042102-042102页

核心收录：

学科分类：070207[理学-光学] 07[理学] 08[工学] 0803[工学-光学工程] 0702[理学-物理学] 

基　　金：Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council, EPSRC Japan Society for the Promotion of Science, JSPS 

主　　题：Atomic orbital Electronic structure of atoms & molecules Spin-orbit coupling Phase space methods 

摘      要：In this work we show how constructing Wigner functions of heterogeneous quantum systems leads to new capability in the visualization of quantum states of atoms and molecules. This method allows us to display quantum correlations (entanglement) between spin and spatial degrees of freedom (spin-orbit coupling) and between spin degrees of freedom, as well as more complex combinations of spin and spatial entanglement. This is important as there is growing recognition that such properties affect the physical characteristics, and chemistry, of atoms and molecules. Our visualizations are sufficiently accessible that, with some preparation, those with a nontechnical background can gain an appreciation of subtle quantum properties of atomic and other systems. By providing insights and modeling capability, our phase-space representation will be of great utility in understanding aspects of atomic physics and chemistry not available with current techniques.