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Updated: Feb 17, 2026

An Analog Macroscopic Technique for Studying Molecular Hydrodynamic Processes in Dense Gases and Liquids
Published on: December 4, 2017
Relaxation Dynamics in the Merging of N Independent Condensates
M Aidelsburger1, J L Ville1, R Saint-Jalm1
1Laboratoire Kastler Brossel, Collège de France, CNRS, ENS-PSL Research University, UPMC-Sorbonne Universités, 11 place Marcelin-Berthelot, 75005 Paris, France.
Abstract:
Controlled quantum systems such as ultracold atoms can provide powerful platforms to study nonequilibrium dynamics of closed many-body quantum systems, especially since a complete theoretical description is generally challenging. In this Letter, we present a detailed study of the rich out-of-equilibrium dynamics of an adjustable number N of uncorrelated condensates after connecting them in a ring-shaped optical trap. We observe the formation of long-lived supercurrents and confirm the scaling of their winding number with N in agreement with the geodesic rule. Moreover, we provide insight into the microscopic mechanism that underlies the smoothening of the phase profile.
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