Generation of vortices and observation of Quantum Turbulence in an oscillating Bose-Einstein Condensate

TL;DR

This paper experimentally observes vortex formation and quantum turbulence in an oscillating Bose-Einstein Condensate, revealing vortex tangles and altered expansion behavior indicative of turbulence.

Contribution

It demonstrates the generation of vortex tangles and turbulence in a BEC through external oscillations, a novel experimental observation in quantum gases.

Findings

Vortex tangles form in oscillating BECs.

Turbulent BECs suppress aspect ratio inversion.

Vortices evolve from regular to tangled configurations.

Abstract

We report on the experimental observation of vortex formation and production of tangled vortex distribution in an atomic BEC of Rb-87 atoms submitted to an external oscillatory perturbation. The oscillatory perturbations start by exciting quadrupolar and scissors modes of the condensate. Then regular vortices are observed finally evolving to a vortex tangle configuration. The vortex tangle is a signature of the presence of a turbulent regime in the cloud. We also show that this turbulent cloud has suppression of the aspect ratio inversion typically observed in quantum degenerate bosonic gases during free expansion.