Investigation and comparison of multi-state and two-state atom laser output-couplers

TL;DR

This paper compares multi-state and two-state atom laser output-couplers in Bose-Einstein condensates, analyzing their spatial, temporal, and flux characteristics to understand their operational differences and limitations.

Contribution

It provides a detailed comparison between two-state and multi-level atom laser systems using a one-dimensional mean-field model, highlighting key differences in output flux and stability.

Findings

Multi-level systems can produce higher output flux.

Bound states can suppress atom laser output.

Classical fluctuations vary between systems.

Abstract

We investigate the spatial structure and temporal dynamics created in a Bose-Einstein condensate (BEC) by radio-frequency (RF) atom laser output-couplers using a one-dimensional mean-field model. We compare the behavior of a `pure' two-state atom laser to the multi-level systems demonstrated in laboratories. In particular, we investigate the peak homogeneous output flux, classical fluctuations in the beam and the onset of a bound state which shuts down the atom laser output.