From vortices to solitonic vortices in trapped atomic Bose-Einstein condensates

TL;DR

This paper investigates the transition from vortex dynamics to dark solitons in elongated atomic Bose-Einstein condensates, revealing hysteresis effects and the re-emergence of vortices during dimensional crossover.

Contribution

It provides a theoretical analysis of vortex-to-soliton transition and hysteresis phenomena in elongated BECs, extending understanding of topological defect dynamics in reduced dimensions.

Findings

Vortex transforms into dark soliton as system approaches one-dimensionality.

Hysteresis observed during trap deformation affects vortex and soliton states.

Vortices can re-emerge after being lost during the transition.

Abstract

Motivated by recent experiments we study theoretically the dynamics of vortices in the crossover from two to one-dimension in atomic condensates in elongated traps. We explore the transition from the dynamics of a vortex to that of a dark soliton as the one-dimensional limit is approached, mapping this transition out as a function of the key system parameters. Moreover, we probe this transition dynamically through the hysteresis under time-dependent deformation of the trap at the dimensionality crossover. When the solitonic regime is probed during the hysteresis, significant angular momentum is lost from the system but, remarkably, the vortex can re-emerge.