Normal modes and shockwaves in cold atoms

TL;DR

This paper develops numerical methods to simulate ultracold atom dynamics in Magneto-Optic Traps, analyzing equilibrium states, normal modes, and shockwave formation, with implications for astrophysical analog simulations.

Contribution

It introduces a fluid-based numerical simulation framework for MOTs, enabling analysis of complex behaviors like shockwaves and providing validation against theoretical models.

Findings

Validated numerical methods for MOT dynamics

Observed shockwave formation in ultracold gases

Analyzed equilibrium and normal modes of MOTs

Abstract

Numerical methods are developed to simulate the dynamics of atoms in a Magneto-Optic Trap (MOT), based on the fluid description of ultracold gases under laser cooling and magnetic trapping forces. With this model, equilibrium hydrostatic profiles and normal modes are calculated, and numerical results are validated against theoretical predictions. As a test case, shock wave formation due to rapid gas expansion and contraction of the ultracold gas is simulated. The latter is caused by a sudden change of the value of its effective collective charge. Limitations of the current methods and future improvements are discussed. This work provides a foundation for studying numerically complex MOT behaviors and their use as analog simulators for astrophysical phenomena.