Quantum dynamics of atomic bright solitons under splitting and re-collision, and implications for interferometry

TL;DR

This paper investigates the classical and quantum behavior of atomic bright solitons in a one-dimensional trap with a barrier, exploring their potential for interferometry and the effects of quantum fluctuations on their coherence.

Contribution

It provides a numerical analysis of soliton dynamics under splitting and re-collision, highlighting quantum effects relevant for precision interferometry.

Findings

Split solitons can be spin-squeezed or fragmented with reduced phase coherence.

Quantum uncertainties in position and momentum are significant due to nonlinear interactions.

The system can function as a coherent nonlinear beam-splitter and interferometer.

Abstract

We numerically study the classical and quantum dynamics of an atomic bright soliton in a highly-elongated one-dimensional harmonic trap with a Gaussian barrier. In the regime of the recent experiment by Dyke {\it et al.}, the system realizes a coherent nonlinear soliton beam-splitter and interferometer whose accuracy we analyze. In the case of tighter radial trap confinement and enhanced quantum fluctuations, a split soliton can represent a spin-squeezed, or alternatively, a fragmented condensate with reduced phase-coherence that can be measured by interfering the split soliton by the barrier. We also find large quantum mechanical uncertainties in the soliton's position and momentum due to nonlinear interaction with the barrier.