Driven dirac-like equation via mirror oscillation: Controlled cold-atom Zitterbewegung

Abstract

By considering mirror oscillation in a "tripod-scheme" laser-atom system, we advocate explorative studies of driven Dirac-like equations. Both analytical and numerical studies show that mirror oscillation can be used to drive an effective spin-orbit interaction and hence control the amplitude, the frequency, and the damping of the cold-atom Zitterbewegung oscillation. Our results demonstrate an interesting coupling between the mirror mechanical motion and a fundamental quantum coherent oscillation, opening up new means of matter-wave manipulation. © 2010 The American Physical Society.