Spin-Domain Formation in Antiferromagnetic Condensates

TL;DR

This paper demonstrates that antiferromagnetic spin-1 Bose-Einstein condensates can develop spin domains through modulational instability when subjected to a homogeneous magnetic field, challenging previous beliefs.

Contribution

It reveals the novel phenomenon of spin-domain formation in antiferromagnetic condensates induced by magnetic fields, supported by numerical simulations.

Findings

Spin domains form via modulational instability in antiferromagnetic condensates.

The effect is observable in sodium condensates in optical traps.

The instability relates to stationary modes of the condensate.

Abstract

Antiferromagnetic condensates are generally believed not to display modulational instability and subsequent spin-domain formation. Here we demonstrate that in he presence of a homogeneous magnetic field antiferromagnetic spin-1 Bose-Einstein condensates can undergo spatial modulational instability followed by the subsequent generation of spin domains. Employing numerical simulations for realistic conditions, we show how this novel effect can be observed in sodium condensates confined in an optical trap. Finally, we link this instability and spin-domain formation with stationary modes of the condensate.