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Disordered Bose-Einstein condensates in quasi-one-dimensional magnetic microtraps.
Daw-Wei Wang1, Mikhail D Lukin, Eugene Demler
1Physics Department, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA.
Physical Review Letters
|March 5, 2004
Summary
We analyzed random magnetic potentials affecting ultracold atoms in waveguides. Fluctuations created a random potential, explaining Bose-Einstein condensate fragmentation and suggesting a superfluid to Bose glass phase transition.
Area of Science:
- Atomic physics
- Condensed matter physics
- Quantum optics
Background:
- Ultracold atoms in microfabricated waveguides are sensitive to external potentials.
- Disorder in potentials can lead to novel quantum phenomena like fragmentation.
- Bose-Einstein condensates (BECs) exhibit quantum properties relevant to many-body physics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the impact of random magnetic potentials on ultracold atoms in waveguides.
- To explain the observed fragmentation of BECs in atomic waveguides.
- To investigate the potential for a quantum phase transition in such systems.
Main Methods:
- Theoretical analysis of random magnetic potentials induced by current-carrying wires.
- Modeling of potential shape and position fluctuations.
- Application of nonlinear dynamics to study fragmented condensates.
Main Results:
- Identified strong Gaussian correlated random potentials due to wire fluctuations.
- Quantitatively explained BEC fragmentation using the developed theory.
- Demonstrated the utility of nonlinear dynamics for characterizing fragmented condensates.
Conclusions:
- Random magnetic potentials significantly influence ultracold atom behavior in waveguides.
- The study provides a theoretical framework for understanding BEC fragmentation.
- A quantum phase transition to a Bose glass phase is predicted under realistic experimental conditions.