Coherent evolution of bouncing Bose-Einstein condensates

Citation
K. Bongs et al., Coherent evolution of bouncing Bose-Einstein condensates, PHYS REV L, 83(18), 1999, pp. 3577-3580
Citations number
18
Categorie Soggetti
Physics
Journal title
PHYSICAL REVIEW LETTERS
ISSN journal
00319007 → ACNP
Volume
83
Issue
18
Year of publication
1999
Pages
3577 - 3580
Database
ISI
SICI code
0031-9007(19991101)83:18<3577:CEOBBC>2.0.ZU;2-X
Abstract
We investigate the evolution of Bose-Einstein condensates: falling under gr avity and bouncing off a mirror formed by a far-detuned sheet of light. Aft er reflection, thee atomic density profile develops splitting and interfere nce structures which depend on the drop height, on the strength of the ligh t sheet, as well as on the initial mean field energy and size of the conden sate. We compare experimental results with simulations of the Gross-Pitaevs ki equation. A comparison with the behavior of bouncing thermal clouds allo ws us to identify quantum features specific for condensates.