We simulate numerically the free expansion of a repulsive Bose-Einstein condensate with an initially Gaussian density profile. We find a self-similar expansion only for weak interatomic repulsion. In contrast, for strong repulsion we observe the spontaneous formation of a shock wave at the surface followed by a significant depletion inside the cloud. In the expansion, contrary to the case of a classical viscous gas, the quantum fluid can generate radial rarefaction density waves with several minima and maxima. These intriguing nonlinear effects, never observed in free-expansion experiments with ultracold alkali-metal atoms, can be detected with the available setups.

Self-induced density modulations in the free expansion of Bose-Einstein condensates / L. Salasnich, N. Manini, F. Bonelli, M. Korbman, A. Parola. - In: PHYSICAL REVIEW A. - ISSN 1050-2947. - 75:4(2007), pp. 043616.043616.1-043616.043616.5. [10.1103/PhysRevA.75.043616]

Self-induced density modulations in the free expansion of Bose-Einstein condensates

N. Manini
Secondo
;
2007

Abstract

We simulate numerically the free expansion of a repulsive Bose-Einstein condensate with an initially Gaussian density profile. We find a self-similar expansion only for weak interatomic repulsion. In contrast, for strong repulsion we observe the spontaneous formation of a shock wave at the surface followed by a significant depletion inside the cloud. In the expansion, contrary to the case of a classical viscous gas, the quantum fluid can generate radial rarefaction density waves with several minima and maxima. These intriguing nonlinear effects, never observed in free-expansion experiments with ultracold alkali-metal atoms, can be detected with the available setups.
Bose-Einstein condensation ; shock waves ; superfluidity ; quantum fluids
Settore FIS/03 - Fisica della Materia
2007
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Utilizza questo identificativo per citare o creare un link a questo documento: https://hdl.handle.net/2434/39375
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