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

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.Comment: 3 pages, RevTeX, plus 6 PostScript figure

Generalized Pseudopotentials for Higher Partial Wave Scattering

We derive a generalized zero-range pseudopotential applicable to all partial wave solutions to the Schroedinger equation based on a delta-shell potential in the limit that the shell radius approaches zero. This properly models all higher order multipole moments not accounted for with a monopolar delta function at the origin, as used in the familiar Fermi pseudopotential for s-wave scattering. By making the strength of the potential energy dependent, we derive self-consistent solutions for the entire energy spectrum of the realistic potential. We apply this to study two particles in an isotropic harmonic trap, interacting through a central potential, and derive analytic expressions for the energy eigenstates and eigenvalues.Comment: RevTeX 4 pages, 1 figure, final published versio

Creation of vortices in a Bose-Einstein condensate by a Raman technique

We propose a method for taking a Bose-Einstein condensate in the ground trap state simultaneously to a different atomic hyperfine state and to a vortex trap state. This can be accomplished through a Raman scheme in which one of the two copropagating laser beams has a higher-order Laguerre-Gaussian mode profile. Coefficients relating the beam waist, pulse area, and trap potentials for a complete transfer to the m = 1 vortex are calculated for a condensate in the non-interacting and strongly interacting regimes.Comment: RevTex, 4 pages, 2 PostScript figure

Scattering of light and atoms in a Fermi-Dirac gas with BCS pairing

We theoretically study the optical properties of a Fermi-Dirac gas in the presence of a superfluid state. We calculate the leading quantum-statistical corrections to the standard column density result of the electric susceptibility. We also consider the Bragg diffraction of atoms by means of light-stimulated transitions of photons between two intersecting laser beams. Bardeen-Cooper-Schrieffer pairing between atoms in different internal levels magnifies incoherent scattering processes. The absorption linewidth of a Fermi-Dirac gas is broadened and shifted. Bardeen-Cooper-Schrieffer pairing introduces a collisional local-field shift that may dramatically dominate the Lorentz-Lorenz shift. For the case of the Bragg spectroscopy the static structure function may be significantly increased due to superfluidity in the nearforward scattering.Comment: 13 pages, 6 figures; to appear in PR

Interferometric detection of a single vortex in a dilute Bose-Einstein condensate

Using two radio frequency pulses separated in time we perform an amplitude division interference experiment on a rubidium Bose-Einstein condensate. The presence of a quantized vortex, which is nucleated by stirring the condensate with a laser beam, is revealed by a dislocation in the fringe pattern.Comment: 4 pages, 4 figure