Journal article
Matter–wave interference in Bose–Einstein condensates: A dispersive hydrodynamic perspective
Physica. D, Vol.238(15), pp.1311-1320
2009
Handle:
https://hdl.handle.net/2376/103391
Abstract
The interference pattern generated by the merging interaction of two Bose–Einstein condensates reveals the coherent, quantum wave nature of matter. An asymptotic analysis of the nonlinear Schrödinger equation in the small dispersion (semiclassical) limit, experimental results, and three-dimensional numerical simulations show that this interference pattern can be interpreted as a modulated soliton train generated by the interaction of two rarefaction waves propagating through the vacuum. The soliton train is shown to emerge from a linear, trigonometric interference pattern and is found by use of the Whitham modulation theory for nonlinear waves. This dispersive hydrodynamic perspective offers a new viewpoint on the mechanism driving matter–wave interference.
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Details
- Title
- Matter–wave interference in Bose–Einstein condensates: A dispersive hydrodynamic perspective
- Creators
- M.A Hoefer - National Institute of Standards and Technology, Boulder, CO 80305, USAP Engels - Washington State University, Department of Physics and Astronomy, Pullman, WA, 99164, USAJ.J Chang - Washington State University, Department of Physics and Astronomy, Pullman, WA, 99164, USA
- Publication Details
- Physica. D, Vol.238(15), pp.1311-1320
- Academic Unit
- Physics and Astronomy, Department of
- Publisher
- Elsevier B.V
- Identifiers
- 99900546666101842
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Journal article