Quantum-mechanical cumulant dynamics near stable periodic orbits in phase space : application to the classical-like dynamics of quantum accelerator modes.

Abstract

We formulate a general method for the study of semiclassical-like dynamics in stable regions of a mixed phase space, in order to theoretically study the dynamics of quantum accelerator modes. In the simplest case, this involves determining solutions, which are stable when constrained to remain pure-state Gaussian wave packets, and then propagating them using a cumulant-based formalism. Using this methodology, we study the relative longevity, under different parameter regimes, of quantum accelerator modes. Within this attractively simple formalism, we are able to obtain good qualitative agreement with exact wave-function dynamics.