Bose-Einstein condensates in strong electric fields -- effective gauge potentials and rotating states

TL;DR

This paper explores how strong electric fields influence Bose-Einstein condensates by inducing effective gauge potentials and rotation through Berry and Aharonov-Casher effects, considering atomic polarizability constraints.

Contribution

It investigates the potential of electric fields to generate rotation in Bose-Einstein condensates via effective gauge potentials, extending understanding beyond magnetic field effects.

Findings

Electric fields can induce gauge potentials in BECs.

Electric field strength limitations affect induced rotation.

Potential to control BEC rotation using electric fields.

Abstract

Magnetically-trapped atoms in Bose-Einstein condensates are spin polarized. Since the magnetic field is inhomogeneous, the atoms aquire Berry phases of the Aharonov-Bohm type during adiabatic motion. In the presence of an eletric field there is an additional Aharonov-Casher effect. Taking into account the limitations on the strength of the electric fields due to the polarizability of the atoms, we investigate the extent to which these effects can be used to induce rotation in a Bose-Einstein condensate.