Simulating Quantum Wavepackets with Non-Diffracting Pendulum Beams

Abstract

Exploiting similarities between the Schrodinger and Helmholtz equations we prepare optical beams that simulate quantum solutions of the simple mechanical pendulum. We did laboratory investigations of optical patterns that correlated with the probabilities in the quantum pendulum. Coherent superpositions of modes simulated quantum wavepackets in the linear-harmonic-oscillator and nonlinear-Mathieu regimes.