Coherent Evolution of Bouncing Bose-Einstein Condensates

TL;DR

This paper studies the dynamics of Bose-Einstein condensates bouncing off a light sheet mirror, revealing quantum-specific features through experiments and simulations, and comparing with thermal clouds.

Contribution

It provides a detailed analysis of the coherent evolution and interference patterns of bouncing condensates, highlighting quantum effects distinct from thermal clouds.

Findings

Density splitting and interference depend on drop height and light strength

Quantum features are identified by comparing condensates with thermal clouds

Simulations match experimental observations of condensate behavior

Abstract

We investigate the evolution of Bose-Einstein condensates falling under gravity and bouncing off a mirror formed by a far-detuned sheet of light. After reflection, the atomic density profile develops splitting and interference structures which depend on the drop height, on the strength of the light sheet, as well as on the initial mean field energy and size of the condensate. We compare experimental results with simulations of the Gross-Pitaevski equation. A comparison with the behaviour of bouncing thermal clouds allows to identify quantum features specific for condensates.