Beyond standard two-mode dynamics in Bosonic Josephson junctions

TL;DR

This paper explores complex dynamics in Bose-Einstein condensates within double-well potentials, revealing a new regime involving third mode excitation beyond traditional Josephson oscillations and self-trapping, supported by a semiclassical model and experimental proposals.

Contribution

It introduces the discovery of a novel dynamical regime involving third mode excitation in Bose-Einstein condensates, extending understanding beyond standard two-mode models.

Findings

Identification of a new dynamical regime involving third mode excitation.

Development of a semiclassical model accurately describing the dynamics.

Proposals for experimental conditions to observe this phenomenon.

Abstract

We examine the dynamics of a Bose-Einstein condensate in a symmetric double-well potential for a broad range of non-linear couplings. We demonstrate the existence of a region, beyond those of Josephson oscillations and self-trapping, which involves the dynamical excitation of the third mode of the double-well potential. We develop a simple semiclassical model for the coupling between the second and third modes that describes very satisfactorily the full time-dependent dynamics. Experimental conditions are proposed to probe this phenomenon.