Phase segregation dynamics in binary Bose-Einstein condensates

Gross features of the non-equilibrium spatial phase segregation process of a mixture of alkali Bose-Einstein condensates are investigated analytically . Two stages of time development are found, analogous to the classical spin odal decomposition. In stage I both time and length scales are found within the nonlinear Schodinger equation formulation. In stage II the dynamics is dominated by the Josephson effect between different domains of same conden sate. The associated time scale is estimated. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V . All rights reserved.