Quantum Collapses and Revivals in a Quantized Trap

A single two-level atom, with quantized centre-of-mass motion, is constrained to move in a one-dimensional harmonic potential, while interacting with a single-mode classical travelling light field. When the atom's centre-of-mass motion is in a coherent state, we show that the atomic inversion exhibits collapses and revivals. Whereas in the Jaynes-Cummings model this behaviour occurs due to the discrete nature of the light field, in our case the behaviour is due to the discrete nature of the vibrational trap states. The Q-function for the external motion is also calculated and shown to break into two peaks in the collapse region. Finally the parameter ranges under which the collapses and revivals can be observed are discussed, as well as the possibility of an experiment.