Work

Re-shaping Bose-Einstein condensates with complex light for atomic persistent currents and trapping

Year: 2023

Type: conference-paper

Abstract: We numerically model the propagation of far-detuned optical beams through a Bose-Einstein condensate (BEC) using coupled nonlinear Schr¨odinger and Gross-Pitaevskii equations. For red atom-field detuning, we show that light carrying orbital angular momentum (OAM) can lead to coupled light-atom solitons carrying angular momentum. We demonstrate the formation of azimuthally rotating wavepackets, toward an atomic persistent current without trapping requirements. For blue atom-field detuning, we show highly exotic BEC distributions, with the atoms trapped in dark regions of the optical field. Our results provide a novel means of atomic transport and of sculpting a BEC into unique transverse distributions.

Source: Complex Light and Optical Forces

DOI: 10.1117/12.2655327

Authors: Grant W. Henderson, Gordon R. M. Robb, Gian-Luca Oppo, Alison M. Yao

Institution: University of Strathclyde

Language: English

Topic: Cold Atom Physics and Bose-Einstein Condensates

Subfield: Atomic and Molecular Physics, and Optics

Field: Physics and Astronomy

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: green

Funder: European Commission

OpenAlex ID: W4386280708