Nonlinear Dynamics of a Bose-Einstein Condensate in a Magnetic Waveguide

TL;DR

This paper investigates the nonlinear dynamics of a Bose-Einstein condensate in an anharmonic magnetic waveguide, revealing complex frequency mixing and potential chaotic behavior through experimental and theoretical analysis.

Contribution

It provides a detailed experimental and theoretical study of nonlinear and chaotic dynamics of BECs in anharmonic magnetic potentials, highlighting harmonic generation and frequency mixing.

Findings

Harmonic frequency generation in center of mass motion

Nonlinear frequency mixing in internal dynamics

Evidence of chaotic behavior at strong excitations

Abstract

We have studied the internal and external dynamics of a Bose-Einstein condensate in an anharmonic magnetic waveguide. An oscillating condensate experiences a strong coupling between the center of mass motion and the internal collective modes. Due to the anharmonicity of the magnetic potential, not only the center of mass motion shows harmonic frequency generation, but also the internal dynamics exhibit nonlinear frequency mixing. We describe the data with a theoretical model to high accuracy. For strong excitations we test the experimental data for indications of a chaotic behavior.