Synchronization of a Self-Sustained Cold Atom Oscillator

TL;DR

This paper investigates how cold atom oscillators can synchronize with external signals, revealing the dynamics of their synchronization range, phase-locking, and agreement with theoretical models.

Contribution

It introduces a new study of synchronization in cold atom oscillators, combining experimental measurements with theoretical analysis of Arnold tongues.

Findings

Synchronization range increases with forcing amplitude

Experimental Arnold tongue matches theoretical predictions

Phase-locking observed between oscillator and external drive

Abstract

Nonlinear oscillations and synchronisation phenomena are ubiquitous in nature. We study the synchronization of self oscillating magneto-optically trapped cold atoms to a weak external driving. The oscillations arise from a dynamical instability due the competition between the screened magneto-optical trapping force and the inter-atomic repulsion due to multiple scattering of light. A weak modulation of the trapping force allows the oscillations of the cloud to synchronize to the driving. The synchronization frequency range increases with the forcing amplitude. The corresponding Arnold tongue is experimentally measured and compared to theoretical predictions. Phase-locking between the oscillator and drive is also observed.