Microgravity-assisted off-axis spin vortex in a $^{87}$Rb dipolar spinor Bose-Einstein condensate

TL;DR

This study investigates how microgravity influences the formation of spin vortex states in a $^{87}$Rb Bose-Einstein condensate with an optical plug, revealing off-axis vortex structures and providing a new method for vortex generation in microgravity.

Contribution

It demonstrates the impact of microgravity on spin vortex states and offers a model for generating these states in space-like conditions, which was previously unresolved under gravity.

Findings

Microgravity induces off-axis spin vortex structures.

The phase diagram shows stable single-mode and vortex states under microgravity.

The approach aids in creating vortex states in space environments.

Abstract

The generation of the ground state of a spin vortex in a $^{87}$Rb Bose-Einstein condensate with the assistance of an optical plug has been studied. However, gravity is everywhere, and this potential linear dependence on the spatial position will destroy the axisymmetric structure of the system with the optical plug. In this case, the question of whether the spin vortex ground state still exists remains unresolved. The present study aims to explore the impact of microgravity on the formation of the spin vortex state with the assistance of an optical plug. To this end, a simple model has been employed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the phenomenon. The Gross-Pitaevskii equations are solved by setting the optical plug intensity, adjusting the optical plug width, and adjusting the microgravity strength. This process results in the phase diagram for the single-mode state and spin vortex state. Under microgravity situations, we observe an off-axis structure of the spin vortex state. Our calculations offer a reliable approach to generating spin vortex states in a microgravity environment.