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Localization Effects in ac-driven Tight-Binding Lattices

We study coherent dynamics of tight-binding systems interacting with static and oscillating external fields. We consider Bloch oscillations and Wannier-Stark localization caused by dc fields, and compare these effects to dynamic localization that occurs in the presence of additional ac fields. Our analysis relies on quasienergy eigenstates, which take over the role of the usual Bloch waves. The widths of the quasienergy bands depend non-monotonically on the field parameters. If there is lattice disorder, the degree of the resulting Anderson localization is determined by the ratio of disorder strength and quasienergy band width. Therefore, the localization lengths can be controlled, within wide ranges, by adjusting the ac amplitude. Experimental realizations of our model systems are given by semiconductor superlattices in far-infrared laser fields, or by ultracold atoms in modulated standing light waves. In both cases the system parameters, as well as the field amplitudes and frequencies, are readily accessible to experimental control, suggesting these as highly attractive candidates for systematic study of localization phenomena.