Distillation of Bose-Einstein condensates in a double-well potential

TL;DR

This paper demonstrates a method to transfer Bose-Einstein condensates between traps via thermal atom spillover, serving as a model for metastability and a new technique for condensate manipulation.

Contribution

It introduces a novel distillation technique for Bose-Einstein condensates in a double-well potential, advancing control over condensate positioning and stability.

Findings

Successful transfer of condensates between traps

Validation of thermal spillover as a mechanism for condensate formation

Potential applications in condensate replenishment and quantum simulations

Abstract

Bose-Einstein condensates of sodium atoms, prepared in an optical dipole trap, were distilled into a second empty dipole trap adjacent to the first one. The distillation was driven by thermal atoms spilling over the potential barrier separating the two wells and then forming a new condensate. This process serves as a model system for metastability in condensates, provides a test for quantum kinetic theories of condensate formation, and also represents a novel technique for creating or replenishing condensates in new locations.