Detection of vorticity in Bose-Einstein condensed gases by matter-wave interference

TL;DR

This paper demonstrates how matter-wave interference patterns can be used to detect vorticity in Bose-Einstein condensates, even when vortex cores are not directly observable, through detailed 2D simulations.

Contribution

It introduces a method to identify vortices in condensates via interference fringe analysis, expanding detection capabilities beyond direct core resolution.

Findings

Vortices cause phase slips in interference fringes.

Interference patterns reveal vorticity without resolving vortex cores.

Simulations confirm the effectiveness of this detection method.

Abstract

A phase-slip in the fringes of an interference pattern is an unmistakable characteristic of vorticity. We show dramatic two-dimensional simulations of interference between expanding condensate clouds with and without vorticity. In this way, vortices may be detected even when the core itself cannot be resolved.