Coherent backscattering of ultracold matter waves: Momentum space signatures

Abstract

Using analytical and numerical methods, it is shown that the momentum distribution of a matter wave packet launched in a random potential exhibits a pronounced coherent backscattering (CBS) peak. By analyzing the momentum distribution, key transport times can be directly measured. The CBS peak can be used to prove that transport occurs in the phase-coherent regime, and measuring its time dependence permits monitoring the transition from classical diffusion to Anderson localization. © 2012 American Physical Society.