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  • Open Access

Preparing quantum backflow states by large momentum transfer

Yuchong Chen and Yijun Tang*

  • *Contact author: yjtphy@gmail.com
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Phys. Rev. A 113, 063304 – Published 1 June, 2026

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1103/3b4f-6nfr

Abstract

Quantum backflow refers to the appearance of negative probability current in a state whose momentum distribution is essentially positive. We propose a scheme to prepare such states in a noninteracting Bose-Einstein condensate using large-momentum-transfer (LMT) atom interferometry. Our approach extends the single-pulse proposal of Palmero et al. [Phys. Rev. A 87, 053618 (2013)] by allowing one interferometer arm to undergo a tunable sequence of momentum-transfer pulses before recombination with a freely propagating arm. For realistic parameters for Sr88, the protocol generates interference states with tunable probability current and negligible negative-momentum contamination. We evaluate both the probability current and the critical-density criterion introduced by Palmero et al. [Phys. Rev. A 87, 053618 (2013)], and identify parameter regimes in which the backflow signature is enhanced relative to the single-pulse scheme. These results present LMT interferometry as a flexible route for preparing candidate quantum-backflow states in cold-atom experiments.

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Phys. Rev. A 113, 063304– Published 1 June, 2026
  • Received 13 February 2026
  • Accepted 19 May 2026
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