Ideal Quantum Gases in D-dimensional Space and Power-law Potentials

We investigate ideal quantum gases in D-dimensional space and confined in a generic external potential by using the semiclassical approximation. In particular, we derive density of states, density profiles and critical temperatures for Fermions and Bosons trapped in isotropic power-law potentials. Form such results, one can easily obtain those of quantum gases in a rigid box and in a harmonic trap. Finally, we show that the Bose-Einstein condensation can set up in a confining power-law potential if and only if ${D/2}+{D/n}>1$, where $D$ is the space dimension and $n$ is the power-law exponent.Comment: 18 pages, Latex, to be published in Journal of Mathematical Physic

Symmetric photon-photon coupling by atoms with Zeeman-split sublevels

We propose a simple scheme for highly efficient nonlinear interaction between two weak optical fields. The scheme is based on the attainment of electromagnetically induced transparency simultaneously for both fields via transitions between magnetically split F=1 atomic sublevels, in the presence of two driving fields. Thereby, equal slow group velocities and symmetric cross-coupling of the weak fields over long distances are achieved. By simply tuning the fields, this scheme can either yield giant cross-phase modulation or ultrasensitive two-photon switching.Comment: Modified scheme, 4 pages, 1 figur

Mean-Field vs Monte-Carlo equation of state for the expansion of a Fermi superfluid in the BCS-BEC crossover

The equation of state (EOS) of a Fermi superfluid is investigated in the BCS-BEC crossover at zero temperature. We discuss the EOS based on Monte-Carlo (MC) data and asymptotic expansions and the EOS derived from the extended BCS (EBCS) mean-field theory. Then we introduce a time-dependent density functional, based on the bulk EOS and Landau's superfluid hydrodynamics with a von Weizs\"acker-type correction, to study the free expansion of the Fermi superfluid. We calculate the aspect ratio and the released energy of the expanding Fermi cloud showing that MC EOS and EBCS EOS are both compatible with the available experimental data of $^6$Li atoms. We find that the released energy satisfies an approximate analytical formula that is quite accurate in the BEC regime. For an anisotropic droplet, our numerical simulations show an initially faster reversal of anisotropy in the BCS regime, later suppressed by the BEC fluid.Comment: 13 pages, 3 figures, presented to the 15th International Laser Physics Workshop (Lausanne, July 24-28, 2006); to be published in Laser Physic

Different Facets of Chaos in Quantum Mechanics

Nowadays there is no universally accepted definition of quantum chaos. In this paper we review and critically discuss different approaches to the subject, such as Quantum Chaology and the Random Matrix Theory. Then we analyze the problem of dynamical chaos and the time scales associated with chaos suppression in quantum mechanics. Summary: 1. Introduction 2. Quantum Chaology and Spectral Statistics 3. From Poisson to GOE Transition: Comparison with Experimental Data 3.1 Atomic Nuclei 3.2 The Hydrogen Atom in the Strong Magnetic Field 4. Quantum Chaos and Field Theory 5. Alternative Approaches to Quantum Chaos 6. Dynamical Quantum Chaos and Time Scales 6.1 Mean-Field Approximation and Dynamical Chaos 7. ConclusionsComment: RevTex, 25 pages, 7 postscript figures, to be published in Int. J. Mod. Phys.

D-dimensional Ideal Quantum Gases in Arn+Br−nAr^{n}+Br^{-n} Potential

The paper is concerned with thermostatistics of both $D$-dimensional Bose and Fermi ideal gases in a confining potential of type $Ar^{n}+Br^{-n}$. The investigation is performed in the framework of the semiclassical approximation. Some physical quantities for such systems are derived, like density of states, density profiles and number of particles. Bose-Einstein condensation (BEC) is discussed in the high and low temperature regimes.Comment: 13 pages, Late

Beyond Gross-Pitaevskii:local density vs. correlated basis approach for trapped bosons

We study the ground state of a system of Bose hard-spheres trapped in an isotropic harmonic potential to investigate the effect of the interatomic correlations and the accuracy of the Gross-Pitaevskii equation. We compare a local density approximation, based on the energy functional derived from the low density expansion of the energy of the uniform hard sphere gas, and a correlated wave function approach which explicitly introduces the correlations induced by the potential. Both higher order terms in the low density expansion, beyond Gross-Pitaevskii, and explicit dynamical correlations have effects of the order of percent when the number of trapped particles becomes similar to that attained in recent experiments.Comment: Revtex, 2 figure