Homogeneous Bose-Einstein Condensate Research Articles

Nanomechanically-induced nonequilibrium quantum phase transition to a self-organized density wave of a Bose-Einstein condensate

We report on a nonequilibrium quantum phase transition (NQPT) in a hybrid quantum many-body system consisting of a vibrational mode of a damped nanomembrane interacting optomechanically with a cavity, whose output light couples to two internal states of an ultracold Bose gas held in an external quasi-one-dimensional box potential. For small effective membrane-atom couplings, the system is in a homogeneous Bose-Einstein condensate (BEC) steady state, with no membrane displacement. Depending on the transition frequency between the two internal atomic states, either one or both internal states are occupied. By increasing the atom-membrane couplings, the system transitions to a symmetry-broken self-organized BEC phase, which is characterized by a considerably displaced membrane steady-state and density-wave-like BEC profiles. This NQPT can be both discontinuous and continuous for a certain interval of transition frequencies and is purely discontinuous outside of it. Published by the American Physical Society 2024

Suppression of polaron self-localization by correlations

We investigate self-localization of a polaron in a homogeneous Bose-Einstein condensate in one dimension. This effect, where an impurity is trapped by the deformation that it causes in the surrounding Bose gas, has been first predicted by mean-field calculations, but has not been seen in experiments. We study the system in one dimension, where, according to the mean-field approximation, the self-localization effect is particularly robust and present for arbitrarily weak impurity-boson interactions. We address the question whether self-localization is a real effect by developing a variational method which incorporates impurity-boson correlations nonperturbatively and solving the resulting inhomogeneous correlated polaron equations. We find that correlations inhibit self-localization except for very strongly repulsive or attractive impurity-boson interactions. Our prediction for the critical interaction strength for self-localization agrees with a sharp drop of the inverse effective mass found in quantum Monte Carlo simulations of polarons in one dimension. Published by the American Physical Society 2024

Cooling dynamics of a free ion in a Bose-Einstein condensate

We investigate the dynamics of an ion moving through a homogeneous Bose-Einstein condensate (BEC) after an initial momentum is imparted. For this, we derive a master equation in the weak-coupling limit and Lamb-Dicke approximation for the reduced density matrix of the ion. We study the time evolution of the ion's kinetic energy and observe that its expectation value, identified as the ion temperature Tion, is reduced by several orders of magnitude in a time on the order of microseconds for a condensate density in the experimentally relevant range between 1013cm−3 and 1014cm−3. We characterize this behavior by defining the duration at half maximum as the time required by Tion to reach half of its initial value, and study its dependence on the system parameters. Similarly, we find that the expectation value of the ion's momentum operator is reduced by nine orders of magnitude on the same timescale, making the ion's position converge to a final value. Based on these results, we conclude that the interaction with the bosonic bath allows for cooling and pinning of the ion by decreasing the expectation value of its kinetic energy and velocity, which constitutes a result of direct relevance for current atom-ion experiments. Published by the American Physical Society 2024

Non-condensate fraction of a weakly interacting Bose gas confined between two parallel plates within improved Hartree-Fock approximation at zero temperature

By analytically solving the nonlinear gap and Schwinger-Dyson equations, the non-condensate fraction of a weakly interacting Bose-Einstein condensate (BEC) confined between two parallel plates at zero temperature is investigated within the improved Hartree-Fock approximation. It is proved that the finite-size effect increases the non-condensate fraction compared with the one of the same homogeneous BEC. Our result also shows that the non-condensate fraction can be expressed as a sum of two terms: the first term corresponds to the non-condensate fraction of the homogeneous dilute BEC and the other appears because of the confinement. Both terms are universal. A comparison with the experimental data is made.

Dynamics of a Tracer Particle Interacting with Excitations of a Bose–Einstein Condensate

We consider the quantum dynamics of a large number N of interacting bosons coupled a tracer particle, i.e. a particle of another kind, on a torus. We assume that in the initial state the bosons essentially form a homogeneous Bose–Einstein condensate, with some excitations. With an appropriate mean-field scaling of the interactions, we prove that the effective dynamics for \(N\rightarrow \infty \) is generated by the Bogoliubov–Fröhlich Hamiltonian, which couples the tracer particle linearly to the excitation field.

Reverse Rotation of Ring-Shaped Perturbation on Homogeneous Bose–Einstein CondensatesSupported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant Nos. 11875220 and 12047502).

We numerically study the dynamics of rotating ring-shaped perturbation on two-dimensional homogeneous Bose–Einstein condensates, where a new ring-shaped structure with reverse rotation appears. The reversely rotating mode is directly caused by the existence of the plane wave (namely the homogeneous background). By the modified linear stability analysis method, we quantitatively predict the influence of the background’s density on perturbation dynamics, including the velocity, amplitude, and frequency of the two rings. We construct an approximative solution to describe the short-lived dynamics of initial perturbation, which agrees well with our numerical results. Also, after the two rings separate, the transfer of atom number between them becomes linear, and the rate of transfer is impacted by the radial momentum of initial perturbation.

Functional theory for Bose-Einstein condensates

One-particle reduced density matrix functional theory would potentially be the ideal approach for describing Bose-Einstein condensates. It namely replaces the macroscopically complex wavefunction by the simple one-particle reduced density matrix, therefore provides direct access to the degree of condensation and still recovers quantum correlations in an exact manner. We eventually initiate and establish this novel theory by deriving the respective universal functional $\mathcal{F}$ for general homogeneous Bose-Einstein condensates with arbitrary pair interaction. Most importantly, the successful derivation necessitates a particle-number conserving modification of Bogoliubov theory and a solution of the common phase dilemma of functional theories. We then illustrate this novel approach in several bosonic systems such as homogeneous Bose gases and the Bose-Hubbard model. Remarkably, the general form of $\mathcal{F}$ reveals the existence of a universal Bose-Einstein condensation force which provides an alternative and more fundamental explanation for quantum depletion.

Emergent Quasicrystalline Symmetry in Light-Induced Quantum Phase Transitions

The discovery of quasicrystals with crystallographically forbidden rotational symmetries has changed the notion of the ordering in materials, yet little is known about the dynamical emergence of such exotic forms of order. Here we theoretically study a nonequilibrium cavity-QED setup realizing a zero-temperature quantum phase transition from a homogeneous Bose-Einstein condensate to a quasicrystalline phase via collective superradiant light scattering. Across the superradiant phase transition, collective light scattering creates a dynamical, quasicrystalline optical potential for the atoms. Remarkably, the quasicrystalline potential is "emergent" as its eightfold rotational symmetry is not present in the Hamiltonian of the system, rather appears solely in the low-energy states. For sufficiently strong two-body contact interactions between atoms, a quasicrystalline order is stabilized in the system, while for weakly interacting atoms the condensate is localized in one or few of the deepest minima of the quasicrystalline potential.

Collision of parallel vortex dipoles in a Bose–Einstein condensate

Understanding how two vortex dipoles interact with each other microscopically is helpful for understanding the dynamics of quantum turbulence in a two-dimensional Bose–Einstein condensate (BEC). We investigate the collision of two vortex dipoles propagating in opposite directions along parallel lines by numerically solving the two-dimensional Gross–Pitaevskii equation. By varying the impact parameter, we identify three general dynamical modes of the vortex dipoles in a homogeneous BEC, which are the vortex recombination mode, the encircling mode and the flyby mode. The existence of these three modes has been corroborated by numerical computations of the ordinary differential equations describing the vortex interactions. Furthermore, we show the corresponding parameter ranges for these modes.

Modulation Instability in Two Component Bose-Einstein Condensate with Dissipation

In this paper, we consider the dynamic evolution of a binary mixture of a Bose-Einstein condensate taking into account the presence of dissipation inside the components. Using the introduction of the dissipative function, the modified Gross-Pitaevskii equations are obtained. These equations, in contrast to the usual Gross-Pitaevskii equations for two-component condensate, allow us to take into account the dissipation in the system. The influence of dissipative processes on the development of modulation instability in a spatially homogeneous two-component Bose-Einstein condensate is investigated. In contrast to the one-component Bose-Einstein condensate, in which modulation instability arises only when there are forces of attraction between atoms, in a two-component Bose-Einstein condensate nonlinear dynamics, leading to modulation instability is more complex. It essentially depends on the signs and values of the constant interaction of the components, which leads to a greater variety of possible scenarios for the development of modulation instability. The paper considers two cases. The first case is when repulsive forces act inside the components, and the second is when repulsive forces act in the first component, and in the second one - attractive forces. At the same time, the situation when there is a repulsion in the first component, and attraction between the particles in the second component differs significantly from the case of only positive interaction inside the components. The relations between the interaction constants that determine the development of the modulation instability turn out to be different. Given the relations between the interaction constants, taking into account dissipation processes, the occurrence of modulation instability in two-component Bose-Einstein condensates was studied, the maximum growth rate of oscillations was found, and the limits of the existence of modulation instability in the space of wave numbers were found. It is shown that the small effect of dissipation on the modulation instability in the Bose – Einstein condensate is explained not only by the smallness of the friction forces. For wave vectors corresponding to a mode with a maximum increment, the contribution of dissipation in the linear approximation with respect to the dissipative parameter is strictly zero. Thus, the condition for the development of the most rapidly growing mode of oscillations, which determines the beginning of the modulation instability, remains the same as in the nondissipative case.

Nonequilibrium polariton dynamics in a Bose-Einstein condensate coupled to an optical cavity

We study quasiparticle scattering effects on the dynamics of a homogeneous Bose-Einstein condensate of ultracold atoms coupled to a single mode of an optical cavity. The relevant excitations, which are polaritonlike mixed excitations of photonic and atomic density-wave modes, are identified. All the first-order correlation functions are presented by means of the Keldysh Green's function technique. Beyond confirming the existence of the resonant enhancement of Beliaev damping, we find a very structured spectrum of fluctuations. There is a spectral hole burning at half of the recoil frequency reflecting the singularity of the Beliaev scattering process. The effects of the photon-loss dissipation channel and that of the Beliaev damping due to atom-atom collisions can be well separated. We show that the Beliaev process does not influence the properties of the self-organization criticality.

Decay of homogeneous two-dimensional quantum turbulence

We numerically simulate the free decay of two-dimensional quantum turbulence in a large, homogeneous Bose-Einstein condensate. The large number of vortices, the uniformity of the density profile and the absence of boundaries (where vortices can drift out of the condensate) isolate the annihilation of vortex-antivortex pairs as the only mechanism which reduces the number of vortices, $\Nv$, during the turbulence decay. The results clearly reveal that vortex annihilation is a four-vortex process, confirming the decay law $\Nv \sim t^{-1/3}$ where $t$ is time, which was inferred from experiments with relatively few vortices in small harmonically trapped condensates.

Quantum Depletion of a Homogeneous Bose-Einstein Condensate.

We measure the quantum depletion of an interacting homogeneous Bose-Einstein condensate and confirm the 70-year-old theory of Bogoliubov. The observed condensate depletion is reversibly tunable by changing the strength of the interparticle interactions. Our atomic homogeneous condensate is produced in an optical-box trap, the interactions are tuned via a magnetic Feshbach resonance, and the condensed fraction is determined by momentum-selective two-photon Bragg scattering.

Quasiparticle Energy in a Strongly Interacting Homogeneous Bose-Einstein Condensate.

Using two-photon Bragg spectroscopy, we study the energy of particlelike excitations in a strongly interacting homogeneous Bose-Einstein condensate, and observe dramatic deviations from Bogoliubov theory. In particular, at large scattering length a the shift of the excitation resonance from the free-particle energy changes sign from positive to negative. For an excitation with wave number q, this sign change occurs at a≈4/(πq), in agreement with the Feynman energy relation and the static structure factor expressed in terms of the two-body contact. For a≳3/q we also see a breakdown of this theory, and better agreement with calculations based on the Wilson operator product expansion. Neither theory explains our observations across all interaction regimes, inviting further theoretical efforts.

Fluid dynamics: Turbulence in a quantum gas.

The discovery of a cascade of sound waves across many wavelengths in an ultracold atomic gas advances our understanding of turbulence in fluids governed by quantum mechanics. See Letter p.72 An important signature of turbulence is the emergence of a cascade of excitations involving all length scales. While turbulence has been observed in quantum fluids—typically liquid helium—it is difficult to control such systems and to observe the properties of turbulence on demand, because the particles therein strongly interact. Here Nir Navon et al. trap a weakly interacting homogeneous Bose–Einstein condensate consisting of rubidium-87 atoms in a cylindrical optical box and shake the gas to produce turbulence. This methodology lets them observe the full turbulent cascade. This work demonstrates that ultracold atomic gases could serve as models for quantum turbulence.

On the observation of nonclassical excitations in Bose–Einstein condensates

In the recent experimental and theoretical literature well-established nonclassicality criteria from the field of quantum optics have been directly applied to the case of excitations in matter-waves. Among these are violations of Cauchy–Schwarz inequalities, Glauber–Sudarshan P-nonclassicality, sub-Poissonian number-difference squeezing (also known as the two-mode variance) and the criterion of nonseparability. We review the strong connection of these criteria and their meaning in quantum optics, and point out differences in the interpretation between light and matter waves. We then calculate observables for a homogeneous Bose–Einstein condensate undergoing an arbitrary modulation in the interaction parameter at finite initial temperature, within both the quantum theory as well as a classical reference. We conclude that to date in experiments relevant for this scenario nonclassical effects have not conclusively been observed and conjecture that additional, noncommuting, observables have to be measured to this end. Moreover this has important implications for proposed analog gravity models where the observation of nonclassical effects is a major goal.

Elements of Vortex-Dipole Dynamics in a Nonuniform Bose–Einstein Condensate

The elements of the vortex-dipole (VD) dynamics are numerically examined in a nonuniform Bose–Einstein condensate (BEC) using the time-dependent Gross–Pitaevskii equation that is solved by the split-step Crank–Nicolson method in real time. The BEC is trapped in a harmonic potential, surrounded by a hard-wall box potential, and stirred by an attractive focusing laser. In this regard, we particularly refer to a recent examination by Aioi et al. (Phys. Rev. X, 1: 021003, 2011) who presented controlled VD generation using a red laser in an infinite homogeneous BEC for comparison. It is found that the dynamics in the present nonuniform BEC is quite different from the one reported earlier by Aioi et al. The elements considered are the phase maps that demonstrate the presence of phase rings, the effects of the coupling constant on the vortex lifetime, the density at the vortex core, and the heating effects of the stirrer. Upon a suitable choice of coupling for our system, a VD generated by the moving fragment is transferred to and trapped by the central BEC cloud. The latter serves as a dissipationless vortex respository, where the lifetime of the VD is extended on demand. An analytical model is presented that qualitatively reproduces the wavefunction with its principle features and provides details inaccessible by the present numerical method such as the coupling between stirrer and BEC.

Properties of spin–orbit-coupled Bose–Einstein condensates

The experimental and theoretical research of spin–orbit-coupled ultracold atomic gases has advanced and expanded rapidly in recent years. Here, we review some of the progress that either was pioneered by our own work, has helped to lay the foundation, or has developed new and relevant techniques. After examining the experimental accessibility of all relevant spin–orbit coupling parameters, we discuss the fundamental properties and general applications of spin–orbit-coupled Bose–Einstein condensates (BECs) over a wide range of physical situations. For the harmonically trapped case, we show that the ground state phase transition is a Dicke-type process and that spin–orbit-coupled BECs provide a unique platform to simulate and study the Dicke model and Dicke phase transitions. For a homogeneous BEC, we discuss the collective excitations, which have been observed experimentally using Bragg spectroscopy. They feature a roton-like minimum, the softening of which provides a potential mechanism to understand the ground state phase transition. On the other hand, if the collective dynamics are excited by a sudden quenching of the spin–orbit coupling parameters, we show that the resulting collective dynamics can be related to the famous Zitterbewegung in the relativistic realm. Finally, we discuss the case of a BEC loaded into a periodic optical potential. Here, the spin–orbit coupling generates isolated flat bands within the lowest Bloch bands whereas the nonlinearity of the system leads to dynamical instabilities of these Bloch waves. The experimental verification of this instability illustrates the lack of Galilean invariance in the system.

Bound vortex states and exotic lattices in multicomponent Bose-Einstein condensates: The role of vortex-vortex interaction

We numerically study the vortex-vortex interaction in multi-component homogeneous Bose-Einstein condensates within the realm of the Gross-Pitaevskii theory. We provide strong evidences that pairwise vortex interaction captures the underlying mechanisms which determine the geometric configuration of the vortices, such as different lattices in many-vortex states, as well as the bound vortex states with two (dimer) or three (trimer) vortices. Specifically, we discuss and apply our theoretical approach to investigate intra- and inter-component vortex-vortex interactions in two- and three-component Bose-Einstein condensates, thereby shedding light on the formation of the exotic vortex configurations. These results correlate with current experimental efforts in multi-component Bose-Einstein condensates, and the understanding of the role of vortex interactions in multiband superconductors.

Observing properties of an interacting homogeneous Bose-Einstein condensate: Heisenberg-limited momentum spread, interaction energy, and free-expansion dynamics

We study the properties of an atomic Bose--Einstein condensate produced in an optical-box potential, using high-resolution Bragg spectroscopy. For a range of box sizes, up to $70~\mu$m, we directly observe Heisenberg-limited momentum uncertainty of the condensed atoms. We measure the condensate interaction energy with a precision of $k_B \times 100$ pK and study, both experimentally and numerically, the dynamics of its free expansion upon release from the box potential. All our measurements are in good agreement with theoretical expectations for a perfectly homogeneous condensate of spatial extent equal to the size of the box, which also establishes the uniformity of our optical-box system on a sub-nK energy scale.