Single-particle matter wave pulses

We study the properties of quantum single-particle wave pulses created by sharp-edged or apodized shutters with single or periodic openings. In particular, we examine the following: the visibility of diffraction fringes depending on evolution time and temperature; the purity of the state depending on the opening-time window; the accuracy of a simplified description which uses 'source' boundary conditions instead of solving an initial value problem; and the effects of apodization on the energy width.