Vortex formation in a stirred Bose-Einstein condensate

TL;DR

This paper reports on experimental observation of vortex formation in a stirred Bose-Einstein condensate of rubidium-87, demonstrating controlled vortex creation, multiple vortex states, and vortex lifetime measurements.

Contribution

It introduces a method to generate and study multiple vortices in a BEC using focused laser stirring, providing new insights into vortex dynamics and stability.

Findings

Vortex formation occurs above a critical stirring frequency.

Multiple vortices can coexist in the condensate.

Vortex lifetime after stirring is measured.

Abstract

Using a focused laser beam we stir a Bose-Einstein condensate of 87Rb confined in a magnetic trap and observe the formation of a vortex for a stirring frequency exceeding a critical value. At larger rotation frequencies we produce states of the condensate for which up to four vortices are simultaneously present. We have also measured the lifetime of the single vortex state after turning off the stirring laser beam.