Defect-induced discrete breather in dissipative optical lattices with weak nonlinearity

Area of Science:

• Nonlinear dynamics
• Quantum physics
• Condensed matter physics

Background:

• Discrete breathers (DBs) are localized nonlinear excitations.
• Their creation is traditionally thought to require strong nonlinearity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate DB generation in Bose-Einstein condensates within dissipative optical lattices.
• To explore the role of defects and nonlinearity in DB formation.

Main Methods:

• Systematic investigation of DB generation.
• Analysis of defect-induced nonlinear coupling.
• Study of Bose-Einstein condensates in dissipative optical lattices.

Main Results:

• Strong nonlinearity is not always necessary for DB generation.
• Defects in optical lattices allow DB formation even with weak nonlinearity.
• DB generation becomes controllable in the presence of defects, with a critical defect interval identified.

Conclusions:

• The belief that strong nonlinearity is essential for DB creation is challenged.
• Defects and dissipation, common in physical systems, facilitate DB formation.
• DBs may be more ubiquitous than previously assumed, with potential applications in experimental engineering.