Long-lasting Exponential Spreading in Periodically Driven Quantum Systems

Abstract

Using a dynamical model relevant to cold-atom experiments, we show that long-lasting exponential spreading of wave packets in momentum space is possible. Numerical results are explained via a pseudo-classical map, both qualitatively and quantitatively. Possible applications of our findings are also briefly discussed.

4 figures, 6 pages (including supplementary material), published in the 2nd of December, 2011 issue of PRL