Craig Savage

Bose-einstein condensates in optical lattices: Band-gap structure and solitons

We analyze the existence and stability of spatially extended (Bloch-type) and localized states of a Bose-Einstein condensate loaded into an optical lattice. In the framework of the Gross-Pitaevskii equation with a periodic potential, we study the band-gap structure of the matter-wave spectrum in both the linear and nonlinear regimes. We demonstrate the existence of families of spatially localized matter-wave gap solitons, and analyze their stability in different band gaps, for both repulsive and attractive atomic interactions.

Energetically stable particlelike Skyrmions in a trapped Bose-Einstein condensate

We numerically show that a topologically nontrivial 3D Skyrmion can be energetically stable in a trapped two-component atomic Bose-Einstein condensate, for the parameters of 87Rb condensate experiments. The separate conservation of the two atomic species can stabilize the Skyrmion against shrinking to zero size, while drift of the Skyrmion due to the trap-induced density gradient can be prevented by rotation or by a laser potential.

Real Time Relativity: Exploratory learning of special relativity

“Real Time Relativity” is a computer program that lets users move at relativistic speeds through a simulated world populated with planets, clocks, and buildings. The counterintuitive and spectacular optical effects of relativity are prominent, while systematic exploration of the simulation allows the user to discover relativistic effects such as length contraction and the relativity of simultaneity. We report on the physics and technology underpinning the simulation, and our experience using it for teaching special relativity to first year students.

Atom laser based on Raman transitions

In this paper we present an atom laser scheme using a Raman transition for the output coupling of atoms. A beam of thermal atoms (bosons) in a metastable atomic state is pumped into a multimode atomic cavity. This cavity is coupled through spontaneous emission to another cavity for the atomic ground state. Above a certain threshold pumping rate a large number of atoms build up in the lowest energy state of the second cavity, while the higher energy states remain unpopulated. Atoms are then coupled to the outside of the cavity with a Raman transition. This changes the internal level of the atom and imparts a momentum kick, allowing the atoms to leave the system. We propose an implementation of our scheme using hollow optical-fiber atom waveguides.

Steady-state quantum statistics of a non-Markovian atom laser

We present a fully quantum mechanical treatment of a single-mode atomic cavity with a pumping mechanism and an output coupling to a continuum of external modes. This system is a schematic description of an atom laser. In the dilute limit where atom-atom interactions are negligible, we have been able to solve this model without making the Born and Markov approximations. When coupling into free space, it is shown that for reasonable parameters there is a bound state which does not disperse, which means that there is no steady state. This bound state does not exist when gravity is included, and in that case the system reaches a steady state. We develop equations of motion for the two-time correlation in the presence of pumping and gravity in the output modes. We then calculate the steady-state output energy flux from the laser.

BORN AND MARKOV APPROXIMATIONS FOR ATOM LASERS

We discuss the use of the Born and Markov approximations in describing the dynamics of an atom laser. In particular, we investigate the applicability of the quantum optical Born-Markov master equation for describing output coupling. We derive conditions based on the atomic reservoir and atom dispersion relations for when the Born-Markov approximations are valid and discuss parameter regimes where these approximations fail in our atom laser model. Differences between the standard optical laser model and the atom laser are due to a combination of factors, including the parameter regimes in which a typical atom laser would operate, the different reservoir state that is appropriate for atoms, and the different dispersion relations between atoms and photons. We present results based on an exact method in the regimes in which the Born-Markov approximation fails. The exact solutions in some experimentally relevant parameter regimes give a nonexponential loss of atoms from a cavity.

Bose-Einstein condensate collapse: a comparison between theory and experiment

We solve the Gross-Pitaevskii equation numerically for the collapse induced by a switch from positive to negative scattering lengths. We compare our results with experiments performed with Bose-Einstein condensates of {sup 85}Rb, in which the scattering length was controlled using a Feshbach resonance. Building on previous theoretical work we identify quantitative differences between the predictions of mean-field theory and the results of the experiments. In addition to the previously reported difference between the predicted and observed critical atom number for collapse, we also find that the predicted collapse times systematically exceed those observed experimentally.

Superradiant scattering from a hydrodynamic vortex

Sound waves scattered from a hydrodynamic vortex may be amplified. Such superradiant scattering follows from the physical analogy between spinning black holes and hydrodynamic vortices, as spinning black holes have an ergoregion within which low frequency waves may be scattered with increased amplitude. While black holes also have an event horizon, a fluids analogous sonic horizon requires the vortex to have a central drain, which may be challenging to produce experimentally. We show that in the fluid analogue, a drain is not required in order for a vortex to scatter sound superradiantly. Furthermore, this effect may occur even when the fluid density drops to zero at the vortex core, as is the case in a Bose–Einstein condensate. We also consider engineering the density profile, using repulsive light forces, to extend the validity of the hydrodynamic approximation towards the vortex core.

Dirac monopoles and dipoles in ferromagnetic spinor Bose-Einstein condensates

We investigate a radial spin hedgehog, analogous to the Dirac monopole, in an optically trapped atomic spin-1 Bose-Einstein condensate. By joining together a monopole-antimonopole pair, we may form a vortex line with free ends. We numerically simulate the three-dimensional dynamics and imaginary time relaxation of these structures to nonsingular textures and show they can be observable for realistic experimental parameters.

EXCITATION SPECTRUM AND INSTABILITY OF A TWO-SPECIES BOSE-EINSTEIN CONDENSATE

We numerically calculate the density profile and excitation spectrum of a two-species Bose-Einstein condensate for the parameters of recent experiments. We find that the ground state density profile of this system becomes unstable in certain parameter regimes, which leads to a phase transition to a new stable state. This state displays spontaneously broken cylindrical symmetry. This behavior is reflected in the excitation spectrum: as we approach the phase transition point, the lowest excitation frequency goes to zero, indicating the onset of instability in the density profile. Following the phase transition, this frequency rises again.