The Einstein Equivalence Principle (EEP), stating that all laws of physics take their special-relativistic form in any local inertial (classical) reference frame, lies at the core of general relativity. Because of its fundamental status, this principle could be a very powerful guide in formulating physical laws at regimes where both gravitational and quantum effects are relevant. The formulation of the EEP only holds when both matter systems and gravity are classical, and we do not know whether we should abandon or modify it when we consider quantum systems in a-possibly nonclassical-gravitational field. Here, we propose that the EEP is valid for a broader class of reference frames, namely Quantum Reference Frames (QRFs) associated to quantum systems. By imposing certain restrictions on the type of nonclassicality of the gravitational field, we develop a framework that enables us to formulate an extension of the EEP for such gravitational fields. This means that the EEP is valid in a much wider set of physical situations than what it is currently applied to, including those in which the gravitational field is in a quantum superposition state.
We propose a simple experimental test of the quantum equivalence principle introduced by Zych and Brukner [arXiv:1502.00971], which generalises the Einstein equivalence principle to superpositions of internal energy states. We consider a harmonically-trapped spin-$\frac12$ atom in the presence of both gravity and an external magnetic field and show that when the external magnetic field is suddenly switched off, various violations of the equivalence principle would manifest as otherwise forbidden transitions. Performing such an experiment would put bounds on the various phenomenological violati…
We challenge the view that there is a basic conflict between the fundamental principles of Quantum Theory and General Relativity, and in particular the fact that a superposition of massive bodies would lead to a violation of the Equivalence Principle. It has been argued that this violation implies that such a superposition must inevitably spontaneously collapse (like in the Diósi-Penrose model). We identify the origin of such an assertion in the impossibility of finding a local, classical reference frame in which Einstein's Equivalence Principle would hold. In contrast, we argue that the formu…
We consider how macroscopic quantum superpositions may be created from arrays of Bose-Einstein condensates. We study a system of three condensates in Fock states, all with the same number of atoms and show that this has the form of a highly entangled superposition of different quasi-momenta. We then show how, by partially releasing these condensates and detecting an interference pattern where they overlap, it is possible to create a macroscopic superposition of different relative phases for the remaining portions of the condensates. We discuss methods for confirming these superpositions.
We present a straightforward scheme for creating macroscopic superpositions of different superfluid flow states of Bose-Einstein condensates trapped in optical lattices. This scheme has the great advantage that all the techniques required are achievable with current experiments. Furthermore, the relative difficulty of creating cats scales favorably with the size of the cat. This means that this scheme may be well-suited to creating superpositions involving large numbers of particles. Such states may have interesting technological applications such as making quantum-limited measurements of angu…
The availability of Bose-Einstein condensates as mesoscopic or macroscopic quantum objects has aroused new interest in the possiblity of making and detecting coherent superpositions involving many atoms. In this article we show that it may be possible to generate such a superposition state in a reasonably short time using Feshbach resonances to tune the inter-atomic interactions in a double-well condensate. We also consider the important problem of distinguishing whether a coherent superposition or a statistical mixture is generated by a given experimental procedure. We find that unambiguously…
We take non-Hermitian Aubry-André-Harper models and quasiperiodic Kitaev chains as examples to demonstrate the equivalence and superposition of real and imaginary quasiperiodic potentials (QPs) on inducing localization of single-particle states. We prove this equivalence by analytically computing Lyapunov exponents (or inverse of localization lengths) for systems with purely real and purely imaginary QPs. Moreover, when superposed and with the same frequency, real and imaginary QPs are coherent on inducing the localization, under a way which is determined by the relative phase between them. Th…
We propose a scheme to create a macroscopic ``Schödinger cat'' state formed by two interacting Bose condensates. In analogy with quantum optics, where the control and engineering of quantum states can be maintained to a large extend, we consider the present scheme to be an example of quantum atom optics at work.
We propose a scheme for generation of arbitrary coherent superposition of vortex states in Bose-Einstein condensates (BEC) using the orbital angular momentum (OAM) states of light. We devise a scheme to generate coherent superpositions of two counter-rotating OAM states of light using known experimental techniques. We show that a specially designed Raman scheme allows transfer of the optical vortex superposition state onto an initially non-rotating BEC. This creates an arbitrary and coherent superposition of a vortex and anti-vortex pair in the BEC. The ideas presented here could be extended t…
In this essay it will be shown that Decoherence Model and Einstein Equivalence Principle are conceptually incompatible. In other words, assuming only the validity of the Weak Equivalence Principle the present work concludes that we face two possibilities: (i) if Decoherence Model provides a correct description of nature at quantum level, then there are systems which violate Local Position Invariance, or, (ii) if all the postulates behind Einstein Equivalence Principle are valid, even on quantum realm, then Decoherence Model breaks down in curved spacetimes. Finally, the present results are con…
The multiphoton quantum superposition generated by a quantum-injected optical parametric amplifier (QI-OPA) seeded by a single-photon belonging to an EPR entangled pair is made to interact with a Mirror-BEC shaped as a Bragg interference structure. The effect can be greatly enhanced if the mirror is part of a cavity structure or is used within an optical interferometer. The overall process will realize an Entangled Macroscopic Quantum Superposition involving a ''microscopic'' singe-photon state of polarization and the coherent ''macroscopic'' displacement of the BEC structure acting in space-l…
The Einstein Equivalence Principle (EEP) has a central role in the understanding of gravity and space-time. In its weak form, or Weak Equivalence Principle (WEP), it directly implies equivalence between inertial and gravitational mass. Verifying this principle in a regime where the relevant properties of the test body must be described by quantum theory has profound implications. Here we report on a novel WEP test for atoms. A Bragg atom interferometer in a gravity gradiometer configuration compares the free fall of rubidium atoms prepared in two hyperfine states and in their coherent superpos…
Einstein's equivalence principle in classical physics is a rule stating that the effect of gravitation is locally equivalent to the acceleration of an observer. The principle determines the motion of test particles uniquely (modulo very broad general assumptions). We show that the same principle applied to a quantum particle described by a wave function on a Newtonian gravitational background determines its motion with a similar degree of uniqueness.
Matter-wave interferometers are, in principle, orders of magnitude more sensitive than their optical counterparts. Nevertheless, creation of matter-wave currents to achieve such a sensitivity is a continuing challenge. Here, we propose the use of Optical Angular Momentum (OAM) induced vortex superpositions in Bose-Einstein Condensates (BECs) as an alternative to atom interferometers for gyroscopy. The coherent superposition of two counter-rotating vortex states of a trapped condensate leads to an interference pattern that rotates by an angle proportional to the angular velocity of the rotating…
We recently proposed a scheme for the creation of coherent superpositions of vortex states in Bose-Einstein condensates (BEC) using orbital angular momentum (OAM) states of light [Phys. Rev. Lett. 95, 173601 (2005)]. Here we discuss further technical details of the proposal, provide alternative, time-reversal-symmetric scheme for transfer of a superposition of OAM states of light to the BEC via a procedure analogous to the traditional STimulated Raman Adiabatic Passage (STIRAP) technique, and discuss an alternative trap configuration conducive for sustaining large charge vortices. Superpositio…
We propose to generate macroscopic superposition states of a large number of atoms in the ground state of a three-mode spinor Bose-Einstein condensate. The ground state is protected by a finite energy gap, is immune to phase noise, and the measurement of the number of particles in one mode heralds the coherent preparation of the two other modes simultaneously empty and filled. Highly entangled macroscopic superposition states are generated with large probability also taking into account quasi-adiabatic preparation of the ground state. All the key ingredients necessary to realize our proposal a…
We study theoretically the interaction-induced generation of mesoscopic coherent spin state superpositions (small cat states) from an initial coherent spin state in bimodal Bose-Einstein condensates and the subsequent phase revival, including decoherence due to particle losses and fluctuations of the total particle number. In a full multimode description, we propose a preparation procedure of the initial coherent spin state and we study the effect of preexisting thermal fluctuations on the phase revival, and on the spin and orbito-spinorial cat fidelities.
We consider two dilute gas Bose-Einstein condensates with opposite velocities from which a monochromatic light field detuned far from the resonance of the optical transition is coherently scattered. In the thermodynamic limit, when the relative fluctuations of the atom number difference between the two condensates vanish, the relative phase between the Bose-Einstein condensates may be established in a superposition state by detections of spontaneously scattered photons, even though the condensates have initially well-defined atom numbers. For a finite system, stochastic simulations show that t…
We experimentally construct a novel three-qubit entangled W-superposition ($\rm W \bar{\rm W}$) state on an NMR quantum information processor. We give a measurement-based filtration protocol for the invertible local operation (ILO) that converts the $\rm W \bar{\rm W}$ state to the GHZ state, using a register of three ancilla qubits. Further we implement an experimental protocol to reconstruct full information about the three-party $\rm W \bar{\rm W}$ state using only two-party reduced density matrices. An intriguing fact unearthed recently is that the $\rm W \bar{\rm W}$ state which is equiva…
We theoretically investigate the effect of multi-mode dynamics on the creation of macroscopic superposition states (spin-cat states) in Bose-Einstein condensates via one-axis twisting. A two-component Bose-Einstein condensate naturally realises an effective one-axis twisting interaction, under which an initially separable state will evolve toward a spin-cat state. However, the large evolution times necessary to realise these states is beyond the scope of current experiments. This evolution time is proportional to the degree of asymmetry in the relative scattering lengths of the system, which r…
Key generation efficiency, and security, in DPS-QKD improve with an increase in the number of path delays or time-bin superpositions. We demonstrate the implementation of super-position states using time-bins, and establish an equivalence with path-based superposition, thus yielding a simpler implementation of higher-order superposition states for differential phase-shift quantum key distribution (DPS-QKD). We set up DPS-QKD, over 105 km of single mode optical fiber, with a quantum bit error rate of less than 15% at a secure key rate of 2 kbps. With temporal guard bands, the QBER reduced to le…
The relation between Einstein equivalence principle and a continuous quantum measurement is analyzed in the context of the recently proposed flavor-oscillation clocks, an idea pioneered by Ahluwalia and Burgard (Gen. Rel Grav. Errata 29, 681 (1997)). We will calculate the measurement outputs if a flavor-oscillation clock, which is immersed in a gravitational field, is subject to a continuous quantum measurement. Afterwards, resorting to the weak equivalence principle, we obtain the corresponding quantities in a freely falling reference frame. Finally, comparing this last result with the measur…
Validity of just a few physical conditions comprising the Einstein Equivalence Principle (EEP) suffices to ensure that gravity can be understood as space-time geometry. EEP is therefore subject to an ongoing experimental verification, with present day tests reaching the regime where quantum mechanics becomes relevant. Here we show that the classical formulation of the EEP does not apply in such a regime. The EEP requires equivalence between the total rest mass-energy of a system, the mass-energy that constitutes its inertia, and the mass-energy that constitutes its weight. In quantum mechanics…
Quantum gravity is expected to contain descriptions of semiclassical spacetime geometries in quantum superpositions. To date, no framework for modelling such superpositions has been devised. Here, we provide a new phenomenological description for the response of quantum probes (i.e. Unruh-deWitt detectors) on a spacetime manifold in quantum superposition. By introducing an additional control degree of freedom, one can assign a Hilbert space to the spacetime, allowing it to exist in a superposition of spatial or curvature states. Applying this approach to static de Sitter space, we discover sce…
We provide a scheme for the generation of entangled number states of Bose-Einstein condensates in multiple wells with cyclic pairwise connectivity. The condensate ground state in a multiple well trap can self-evolve, when phase engineered with specific initial phase differences between the neighboring wells, to a macroscopic superposition state with controllable entanglement -- to multiple well generalization of double well NOON states. We demonstrate through numerical simulations the creation of entangled states in three and four wells and then explore the creation of "larger" entangled state…
We examine Einstein-Podolsky-Rosen's (EPR) steering nonlocality for two realisable Schrodinger cat-type states where a meso/ macroscopic system (called the "cat"-system) is entangled with a spin-$1/2$ system. For large cat-systems, we show that a local hidden state model is near-satisfied, meaning that the cat-system can be consistent with being in a mixture of "dead" and "alive" states despite that it is entangled with the spin system. We justify that a rigorous signature of the Schrodinger cat-type paradox is the EPR-steering of the cat-system and provide two experimental signatures. This le…
Atomic (qubit) and optical or microwave (modal) phase-estimation protocols are placed on the same footing in terms of quantum-circuit diagrams. Circuit equivalences are used to demonstrate the equivalence of protocols that achieve the Heisenberg limit by employing entangled superpositions of Fock states, such as N00N states. The key equivalences are those that disentangle a circuit so that phase information is written exclusively on a mode or modes or on a qubit. The Fock-state-superposition phase-estimation circuits are converted to use entangled coherent-state superpositions; the resulting p…
We extend Einstein's hole argument into the quantum domain, and argue that quantum observables for quasiclassical superpositional states of gravitational fields require additional information to be well-defined, namely, relative positions of the gravitational fields involved in superpositional states. As a consequence, for the definition of these quantum observables we need a common background. The observable is a transition probability in a simple double-slit experiment with partial gravitational measurement of position. It may be easily computed in non-relativistic Schroedinger theory with N…
Einstein`s equivalence principle states the complete physical equivalence of a gravitational field and corresponding inertial field in an accelerated reference frame. However, to what extent the equivalence principle remains valid in non-relativistic quantum mechanics is a controversial issue. To avoid violation of the equivalence principle, Bargmann`s superselection rule forbids a coherent superposition of states with different masses. Here we suggest a quantum simulation of non-relativistic Schrödinger particle dynamics in non-inertial reference frames, which is based on propagation of polar…
Given an equivalence relation ~ on a set U, there are two abstract notions of an element of the quotient set U/~. The #1 abstract notion is a set S=[u] of equivalent elements of U (an equivalence class); the #2 notion is an abstract entity u_{S} that is definite on what is common to the elements of the equivalence class S but is otherwise indefinite on the differences between those elements. For instance, the #1 interpretation of a homotopy type is an equivalence class of homotopic spaces, but the #2 interpretation, e.g., as developed in homotopy type theory, is an abstract space (without poin…
The standard argument for the validity of Einstein's equivalence principle in a non-relativistic quantum context involves the application of a mass superselection rule. It is surprising that the consistency between such an important principle and quantum mechanics depends crucially on the imposition of a non-fundamental restriction. The objective of this work is show that, contrary to what the standard account holds, the compatibility between the principle of equivalence and quantum mechanics does not depend on the introduction of such a superselection rule. For this purpose, we consider the e…
The computation of the phase shift in a symmetric atom interferometer in the presence of a gravitational field is reviewed. The difference of action-phase integrals between the two paths of the interferometer is zero for any Lagrangian which is at most quadratic in position and velocity. We emphasize that in a large class of theories of gravity the atom interferometer permits a test of the weak version of the equivalence principle (or universality of free fall) by comparing the acceleration of atoms with that of ordinary bodies, but is insensitive to that aspect of the equivalence principle kn…
Lorentz symmetry violation (LV) was recently proposed to be testable with a new method, in which the effect of the violation is described as a certain local interaction [R. Shaniv, et al, PRL 120, 103202 (2018)]. We revisit this LV effect in the paper and show that it is not only local, but it also represents a classical violation according to the recent quantum formulation of the Einstein equivalence principle (EEP). Based on a harmonically trapped spin-1/2 atomic system, we apply the results of table-top experiments testing LV effect to estimate the corresponding violation parameter in the q…
Complex numbers appear in the Hilbert space formulation of quantum mechanics, but not in the formulation in phase space. Quantum symmetries are described by complex, unitary or antiunitary operators defining ray representations in Hilbert space, whereas in phase space they are described by real, true representations. Equivalence of the formulations requires that the former representations can be obtained from the latter and vice versa. Examples are given. Equivalence of the two formulations also requires that complex superpositions of state vectors can be described in the phase space formulati…
The covariance of the Schrödinger equation under Galilei boosts and the compatibility of nonrelativistic quantum mechanics with Einstein's equivalence principle have been constrained for so long to the existence of a superselection rule which would prevent a quantum particle from being found in superposition states of different masses. In an effort to avoid this expedient, and thus allow nonrelativistic quantum mechanics to account for unstable particles, recent works have suggested that the usual Galilean transformations are inconsistent with the nonrelativistic limit implied by the Lorentz t…
We investigate leading order deviations from general relativity that violate the Einstein equivalence principle in the gravitational standard model extension. We show that redshift experiments based on matter waves and clock comparisons are equivalent to one another. Consideration of torsion balance tests, along with matter wave, microwave, optical, and Mössbauer clock tests, yields comprehensive limits on spin-independent Einstein equivalence principle-violating standard model extension terms at the $10^{-6}$ level.
We study mesoscopic superpositions of two component Bose-Einstein condensates. Atomic condensates, with long coherence times, are good systems in which to study such quantum phenomenon. We show that the mesoscopic superposition states can be rapidly generated in which the atoms dispersively interact with the photon field in a cavity. We also discuss the production of compass states which are generalized Schrödinger cat states. The physical realization of mesoscopic states is important in studying decoherence and precision measurement.
We present in detail the scientific objectives in fundamental physics of the Space-Time Explorer and QUantum Equivalence Space Test (STE-QUEST) space mission. STE-QUEST was pre-selected by the European Space Agency together with four other missions for the cosmic vision M3 launch opportunity planned around 2024. It carries out tests of different aspects of the Einstein Equivalence Principle using atomic clocks, matter wave interferometry and long distance time/frequency links, providing fascinating science at the interface between quantum mechanics and gravitation that cannot be achieved, at t…
We consider a quantum superposition of Bose-Einstein condensates in two immiscible internal states. A decoherence rate for the resulting Schroedinger cat is calculated and shown to be a significant threat to this macroscopic quantum superposition of BEC's. An experimental scenario is outlined where the decoherence rate due to the thermal cloud is dramatically reduced thanks to trap engineering and "symmetrization" of the environment which allow for the Schroedinger cat to be an approximate pointer states.
The interplay of gravitation and the quantum-mechanical principle of linear superposition induces a new set of neutrino oscillation phases. These ensure that the flavor-oscillation clocks, inherent in the phenomenon of neutrino oscillations, redshift precisely as required by Einstein's theory of gravitation. The physical observability of these phases in the context of the solar neutrino anomaly, type-II supernovae, and certain atomic systems is briefly discussed.
General Relativity is today the best theory of gravity addressing a wide range of phenomena. Our understanding of physical laws, from cosmology to local scales, cannot be properly formulated without taking into account it. It is based on one of the most fundamental principles of Nature, the Equivalence Principle, which represents the core of the Einstein theory of gravity. The confirmation of its validity at different scales and in different contexts represents one of the main challenges of modern physics both from the theoretical and the experimental points of view. A major issue related to t…
We investigate the phase structure of two-component Bose-Einstein condensates (BECs) with repulsive intra- and interspecies interactions in the presence of respective vortex-antivortex superposition states (VAVSS). We show that different winding numbers of vortex and antivortex and different intra- and interspecies interaction strengths may lead to different phase configurations, such as fully separated phases, inlaid separated phases, asymmetric separated phase, and partially mixed phases, where the density profile of each component displays a petal-like (or modulated petal-like) structure. A…
We present a quantum phase space model of Bose-Einstein condensate (BEC) in a double well potential. In a two-mode Fock-state analysis we examine the eigenvectors and eigenvalues and find that the energy correlation diagram indicates a transition from a delocalized to a fragmented regime. Phase space information is extracted from the stationary quantum states using the Husimi distribution function. It is shown that the quantum states are localized on the known classical phase space orbits of a nonrigid physical pendulum, and thus the novel phase space characteristics of a nonrigid physical pen…
We apply quantum optimal control to shape the phase-space distribution of Bose-Einstein condensates in a one-dimensional optical lattice. By a time-dependent modulation of the lattice position, determined from optimal control theory, we prepare, in the phase space of each lattice site, translated and squeezed Gaussian states, and superpositions of Gaussian states. Complete reconstruction of these non-trivial states is performed through a maximum likelihood state tomography. As a practical application of our method to quantum simulations, we initialize the atomic wavefunction in an optimal Floq…
We propose a novel protocol for the creation of macroscopic quantum superposition (MQS) states based on a measurement of a non-monotonous function of a quantum collective variable. The main advantage of this protocol is that it does not require switching on and off nonlinear interactions in the system. We predict this protocol to allow the creation of multiatom MQS by measuring the number of atoms coherently outcoupled from a two-component (spinor) Bose-Einstein condensate.
We study why it is quite so hard to make a superposition of superfluid flows in a Bose-Einstein condensate. To do this we initially investigate the quantum states of $N$ atoms trapped in a 1D ring with a barrier at one position and a phase applied around it. We show how macroscopic superpositions can in principle be produced and investigate factors which affect the superposition. We then use the Bose-Hubbard model to study an array of Bose-Einstein condensates trapped in optical potentials and coupled to one another to form a ring. We derive analytic expressions for the quality of the superpos…
On the (Non)Unitarity with respect to the Clock of a Dynamical Local Observer and the Einstein Equivalence Principle
Center for Gravitational Physics and Quantum Information, Yukawa Institute for Theoretical Physics, Kyoto University(京都大学汤川理论物理研究所引力物理与量子信息中心);Fundamental Quantum Science Program, TRIP Headquarters, RIKEN(理化学研究所TRIP总部基础量子科学计划)
Despite almost a century's worth of study, it is still unclear how general relativity (GR) and quantum theory (QT) should be unified into a consistent theory. The conventional approach is to retain the foundational principles of QT, such as the superposition principle, and modify GR. This is referred to as `quantizing gravity', resulting in a theory of `quantum gravity'. The opposite approach is `gravitizing QT' where we attempt to keep the principles of GR, such as the equivalence principle, and consider how this leads to modifications of QT. What we are most lacking in understanding which ro…
For a Bose condensate in a double-well potential or with two Josephson-coupled internal states, the condensate wavefunction is a superposition. Here we consider coupling two such Bose condensates, and suggest the existence of a joint condensate wavefunction, which is in general a superposition of all products of the bases condensate wavefunctions of the two condensates. The corresponding many-body state is a product of such superposed wavefunctions, with appropriate symmetrization. These states may be potentially useful for quantum computation. There may be robustness and stability due to macr…
The principle of linear superposition is a hallmark of quantum theory. It has been confirmed experimentally for photons, electrons, neutrons, atoms, for molecules having masses up to ten thousand amu, and also in collective states such as SQUIDs and Bose-Einstein condensates. However, the principle does not seem to hold for positions of large objects! Why for instance, a table is never found to be in two places at the same time? One possible explanation for the absence of macroscopic superpositions is that quantum theory is an approximation to a stochastic nonlinear theory. This hypothesis may…
We establish an objective scheme to determine the macroscopicity of quantum mechanical superposition tests, which is based on the Bayesian hypothesis falsification of macrorealistic modifications of quantum theory. The measure uses the raw data gathered in an experiment, taking into account all measurement uncertainties, and can be used to directly assess any conceivable quantum test. We determine the resulting macroscopicity for three recent tests of quantum physics: double-well interference of Bose-Einstein condensates, Leggett-Garg tests with atomic random walks, and entanglement generation…
Interferences emerge when multiple pathways coexist together leading towards the same result. A Recent study by Blasing and coworkers [PRL 121(7):073202] showed that in a photo-association reaction of Raman dressed spin orbit coupled $^{87}$Rb Bose Einstein Condensate when the reactant spin state is prepared in a coherent superposition of multiple bare spin states it leads to a destructive interference between reaction pathways. Here we report a theoretical study for a reaction scheme which leads to constructive quantum interference. This is achieved by changing the reactive scattering channel…
I consider a thought experiment measuring the decoherence for quasiclassical superpositions of gravitational field. A version of the hole argument allows to prove that a covariant (background-free) theory is completely unable to define the outcome of this experiment and is therefore not viable. Instead, the results of experiments of this type allow to reconstruct a common background shared by all superposed gravitational fields.
Schrödinger cat states, consisting of superpositions of macroscopically distinct states, provide key resources for a large number of emerging quantum technologies in quantum information processing. Here we propose how to generate and manipulate mechanical and optical Schrödinger cat states with distinguishable superposition components by exploiting the unique properties of cavity optomechanical systems based on Bose-Einstein condensate. Specifically, we show that in comparison with its solid-state counterparts, almost a $3$ order of magnitude enhancement in the size of the mechanical Schröding…
We theoretically study macroscopic entanglement between a magnetically trapped Bose-Einstein condensate and a superconducting loop. We treat the superconducting loop in a quantum superposition of two different flux states coupling with the magnetic trap to generate macroscopic entanglement. The scheme also provides a platform to investigate interferometry with an entangled Bose Einstein condensate and to explore physics at the quantum-classical interface.
Each step in a quantum random walk is typically understood to have two basic components; a `coin-toss' which produces a random superposition of two states, and a displacement which moves each component of the superposition by different amounts. Here we suggest the realization of a walk in momentum space with a spinor Bose-Einstein condensate subject to a quantum ratchet realized with a pulsed, off-resonant optical lattice. By an appropriate choice of the lattice detuning, we show how the atomic momentum can be entangled with the internal spin states of the atoms. For the coin-toss, we propose …