Non-Hamiltonian Dynamics of Quantized Vortices in Bose-Einstein Condensates

TL;DR

This paper reveals that quantized vortices in Bose-Einstein condensates follow a non-Hamiltonian evolution, leading to new dynamics such as helical shock fronts and Kelvin wave packets, which impact quantum turbulence decay.

Contribution

It introduces a non-Hamiltonian model for vortex dynamics, contrasting with traditional Hamiltonian approaches, and explains mechanisms for vortex decay in quantum turbulence.

Findings

Vortices obey a non-Hamiltonian evolution equation.

Support for helical shock fronts and dissipative solitons.

Decay pathways for quantum turbulence via Kelvin wave packets.

Abstract

The dynamics of quantized vortices in weakly interacting superfluids are often modeled by a nonlinear Schr\"odinger equation. In contrast, we show that quantized vortices in fact obey a non-Hamiltonian evolution equation, which enhances dispersion along the vortex line while introducing a gain mechanism. This allows the vortex medium to support a helical shock front propagating ahead of a dissipative soliton. This dynamic relaxes localized curvature events into Kelvin wave packets. Consequently, a beyond local induction model provides a pathway for decay in low-temperature quantum turbulence.