Density-Matrix approach to a Strongly Coupled Two-Component Bose-Einstein Condensate

The time evolution equations for average values of population and relative phase of a strongly coupled two component BEC is derived analytically. The two components are two hyper-fine states coupled by an external laser that drives fast Rabi oscillations between these states. Specifically, this derivation incorporates the two-mode model proposed in [1] for the strongly coupled hyper-fine states of Rb. The fast Rabi cycle is averaged out and rate equations are derived that represents the slow dynamics of the system. These include the collapse and revival of Rabi oscillations and their subsequent dependence on detuning and trap displacement as reported in experiments of [1]. A proposal to create stable vortices is also given.Comment: 11 Latex pages, 2 figures (Figure 3 was removed and the text chnaged accordingly

The Rise and Fall of Water Net (Hydrodictyon reticulatum) in New Zealand

During the late 1980s to early 1990s a range of aquatic habitats in the central North Island of New Zealand were invaded by the filamentous green alga, water net Hydrodictyon reticulatum (Linn. Lagerheim). The alga caused significant economic and recreational impacts at major sites of infestation, but it was also associated with enhanced invertebrate numbers and was the likely cause of an improvement in the trout fishery. The causes of prolific growth of water net and the range of control options pursued are reviewed. The possible causes of its sudden decline in 1995 are considered, including physical factors, increase in grazer pressure, disease, and loss of genetic vigour

Quantum gates with neutral atoms: Controlling collisional interactions in time dependent traps

We theoretically study specific schemes for performing a fundamental two-qubit quantum gate via controlled atomic collisions by switching microscopic potentials. In particular we calculate the fidelity of a gate operation for a configuration where a potential barrier between two atoms is instantaneously removed and restored after a certain time. Possible implementations could be based on microtraps created by magnetic and electric fields, or potentials induced by laser light.Comment: 10 pages, 3 figure

Weak force detection using a double Bose-Einstein condensate

A Bose-Einstein condensate may be used to make precise measurements of weak forces, utilizing the macroscopic occupation of a single quantum state. We present a scheme which uses a condensate in a double well potential to do this. The required initial state of the condensate is discussed, and the limitations on the sensitivity due to atom collisions and external coupling are analyzed.Comment: 12 pages, 2 figures, Eq.(41) has been correcte

Topology of the ground state of two interacting Bose-Einstein condensates

We investigate the spatial patterns of the ground state of two interacting Bose-Einstein condensates. We consider the general case of two different atomic species (with different mass and in different hyperfine states) trapped in a magnetic potential whose eigenaxes can be tilted with respect to the vertical direction, giving rise to a non trivial gravitational sag. Despite the complicated geometry, we show that within the Thomas-Fermi approximations and upon appropriate coordinate transformations, the equations for the density distributions can be put in a very simple form. Starting from this expressions we give explicit rules to classify the different spatial topologies which can be produced, and we discuss how the behavior of the system is influenced by the inter-atomic scattering length. We also compare explicit examples with the full numeric Gross-Pitaevskii calculation.Comment: RevTex4, 8 pages, 7 figure

Split vortices in optically coupled Bose-Einstein condensates

We study a rotating two-component Bose-Einstein condensate in which an optically induced Josephson coupling allows for population transfer between the two species. In a regime where separation of species is favored, the ground state of the rotating system displays domain walls with velocity fields normal to them. Such a configuration looks like a vortex split into two halves, with atoms circulating around the vortex and changing their internal state in a continuous way.Comment: 4 EPS pictures, 4 pages; Some errata have been corrected and thep resentation has been slightly revise

Boundary of two mixed Bose-Einstein condensates

The boundary of two mixed Bose-Einstein condensates interacting repulsively was considered in the case of spatial separation at zero temperature. Analytical expressions for density distribution of condensates were obtained by solving two coupled nonlinear Gross-Pitaevskii equations in cases corresponding weak and strong separation. These expressions allow to consider excitation spectrum of a particle confined in the vicinity of the boundary as well as surface waves associated with surface tension.Comment: 6 pages, 3 figures, submitted to Phys.Rev.

A simple high-sensitivity technique for purity analysis of xenon gas

We report on the development and performance of a high-sensitivity purity-analysis technique for gaseous xenon. The gas is sampled at macroscopic pressure from the system of interest using a UHV leak valve. The xenon present in the sample is removed with a liquid-nitrogen cold trap, and the remaining impurities are observed with a standard vacuum mass-spectroscopy device. Using calibrated samples of xenon gas spiked with known levels of impurities, we find that the minimum detectable levels of N2, O2, and methane are 1 ppb, 160 ppt, and 60 ppt respectively. This represents an improvement of about a factor of 10,000 compared to measurements performed without a coldtrap.Comment: 20 pages, 5 figure

Dynamics of two colliding Bose-Einstein condensates in an elongated magneto-static trap

We study the dynamics of two interacting Bose-Einstein condensates, by numerically solving two coupled Gross-Pitaevskii equations at zero temperature. We consider the case of a sudden transfer of atoms between two trapped states with different magnetic moments: the two condensates are initially created with the same density profile, but are trapped into different magnetic potentials, whose minima are vertically displaced by a distance much larger than the initial size of both condensates. Then the two condensates begin to perform collective oscillations, undergoing a complex evolution, characterized by collisions between the two condensates. We investigate the effects of their mutual interaction on the center-of-mass oscillations and on the time evolution of the aspect ratios. Our theoretical analysis provides a useful insight into the recent experimental observations by Maddaloni et al., cond-mat/0003402.Comment: 8 pages, 7 figures, RevTe

A Xenon Condenser with a Remote Liquid Storage Vessel

We describe the design and operation of a system for xenon liquefaction in which the condenser is separated from the liquid storage vessel. The condenser is cooled by a pulse tube cryocooler, while the vessel is cooled only by the liquid xenon itself. This arrangement facilitates liquid particle detector research by allowing easy access to the upper and lower flanges of the vessel. We find that an external xenon gas pump is useful for increasing the rate at which cooling power is delivered to the vessel, and we present measurements of the power and efficiency of the apparatus.Comment: 22 pages, 7 figures Corrected typos in authors lis