arXiv subjects

M. J. Steel

Publications and source records attributed to M. J. Steel.

40 records · Page 3Linked to original sources

arXiv1998

Bloch function description of a Bose-Einstein condensate in a finite optical lattice

We consider stationary and propagating solutions for a Bose-Einstein condensate in a periodic optical potential with an additional confining optical or magnetic potential. Using an effective mass approximation we express the condensate wavefunction in terms of slowly-varying envelopes modulating the Bloch modes of the optical lattice. In the limit of a weak nonlinearity, we derive a nonlinear Schrödinger equation for propagation of the envelope function which does not contain the rapid oscillation of the lattice. We then consider the ground state solutions in detail in the regime of weak, moderate and strong nonlinear interactions. We describe the form of solution which is appropriate in each regime, and place careful limits on the validity of each type of solution.

cond-mat↗

arXiv1998

Dynamical quantum noise in Bose-Einstein condensates

We introduce the study of dynamical quantum noise in Bose-Einstein condensates through numerical simulation of stochastic partial differential equations obtained using phase space representations. We derive evolution equations for a single trapped condensate in both the positive-$P$ and Wigner representations, and perform simulations to compare the predictions of the two methods. The positive-$P$ approach is found to be highly susceptible to the stability problems that have been observed in other strongly nonlinear, weakly damped systems. Using the Wigner representation, we examine the evolution of several quantities of interest using from a variety of choices of initial state for the condensate, and compare results to those for single-mode models.

cond-mat.soft↗

arXiv1997

Quantum state of two trapped Bose-Einstein condensates with a Josephson coupling

We consider the precise quantum state of two trapped, coupled Bose Einstein condensates in the two-mode approximation. We seek a representation of the state in terms of a Wigner-like distribution on the two-mode Bloch sphere. The problem is solved using a self-consistent rotation of the unknown state to the south pole of the sphere. The two-mode Hamiltonian is projected onto the harmonic oscillator phase plane, where it can be solved by standard techniques. Our results show how the number of atoms in each trap and the squeezing in the number difference depend on the physical parameters. Considering negative scattering lengths, we show that there is a regime of squeezing in the relative phase of the condensates which occurs for weaker interactions than the superposition states found by Cirac et al% (quant-ph/9706034, 13 June 1997). The phase squeezing is also apparent in mildly asymmetric trap configurations.

cond-mat↗

arXiv1997

Pumping of twin-trap Bose-Einstein condensates

We consider extensions of the twin-trap Bose-Einstein condensate system of Javaneinen and Yoo [Phys. Rev. Lett., 76, 161--164 (1996)] to include pumping and output couplers. Such a system permits a continual outflow of two beams of atoms with a relative phase coherence maintained by the detection process. We study this system for two forms of thermal pumping, both with and without the influence of inter-atomic collisions. We also examine the effects of pumping on the phenomenon of collapses and revivals of the relative phase between the condensates.

quant-ph↗