Hydrodynamic Stabilization of Self-Organized Criticality in a Driven Rydberg Gas.

Area of Science:

• Atomic physics
• Quantum gases
• Statistical mechanics

Background:

• Self-organized criticality (SOC) observed in ultracold atomic gases.
• Laser excitation to Rydberg states creates strongly interacting systems.

Purpose of the Study:

• Investigate self-organizing dynamics in driven ultracold gases.
• Identify feedback mechanisms sustaining SOC.
• Explore SOC under controlled experimental conditions.

Main Methods:

• Theoretical examination of driven ultracold atomic gas dynamics.
• Experimental investigation of SOC signatures.
• Development of a hydrodynamic description for atom density reorganization.

Main Results:

• Unanticipated feedback mechanism identified: particle transport from flanks to center compensates atom loss.
• Extended critical region sustained for longer timescales.
• Characteristic flattop density profile observed as an additional SOC signature.
• Hydrodynamic model accurately describes experimental observations.

Conclusions:

• Thermal reservoir interaction is crucial for sustaining SOC in ultracold gases.
• Flattop density profile enables homogeneous SOC studies.
• Hydrodynamic description is applicable to various dynamic regimes.