Atomic diffraction by patterned holes in hexagonal boron nitride: A comparison between semi-classical and quantum computational models

Diffraction of atoms and molecules through ever smaller holes in membranes could lead to advancements in both atom interferometry sensing or creation of nanometre scale interference patterns through atomic holography. Dispersion interactions such as the Casimir--Polder force attracts diffracting atoms or molecules to the membrane limiting the minimum size of the holes they can diffract through. We describe the diffraction of helium through sub-nanometre holes in hexagonal boron nitride by solving the time-dependent Schrödinger equation using a numerical simulation. In contrast to the commonly applied semi-classical approach, we find a significantly enhanced transmission rate allowing further reduction of the hole diameters. In addition, we find significant differences in the diffraction even at high atom velocities.