Vortex creation, annihilation and nonlinear dynamics in atomic vapors

TL;DR

This paper demonstrates advanced techniques for creating and controlling vortices in nonlinear atomic vapors, enabling detailed observation of vortex interactions and dynamics relevant to 2D turbulence.

Contribution

It introduces new vortex generation and control methods, along with a phase shift technique to simulate time evolution, advancing the study of nonlinear vortex dynamics.

Findings

Successful vortex creation and manipulation in atomic vapors

Observation of vortex annihilation and interaction dynamics

Progress toward experimental realization of 2D turbulence

Abstract

We exploit new techniques for generating vortices and controlling their interactions in an optical beam in a nonlinear atomic vapor. A precise control of the vortex positions allows us to observe strong interactions leading to vortex dynamics involving annihilations. With this improved controlled nonlinear system, we get closer to the pure hydrodynamic regime than in previous experiments while a wavefront sensor offers us a direct access to the fluid's density and velocity. Finally, we developed a relative phase shift method which mimics a time evolution process without changing non-linear parameters. These observations are an important step toward the experimental implementation of 2D turbulent state