Exploring phase coherence in a 2D lattice of Bose-Einstein condensates - art. no. 160405

Bose-Einstein condensates of rubidium atoms are stored in a two-dimensional periodic dipole force potential, formed by a pair of standing wave laser f ields. The resulting potential consists of a lattice of tightly confining t ubes, each filled with a ID quantum gas. Tunnel coupling between neighborin g tubes is controlled by the intensity of the laser fields. By observing th e interference pattern of atoms released from more than 3000 individual lat tice tubes, the phase coherence of the coupled quantum gases is studied. Th e lifetime of the condensate in the lattice and the dependence of the inter ference pattern on the lattice configuration are investigated.