Equilibrating dynamics in quenched Bose gases: characterizing multiple time regimes

We address the physics of equilibration in ultracold atomic gases following a quench of the interaction parameter. We focus on the momentum distribution of the excitations, $n_{\mathbf k}$, and observe that larger ${\mathbf k}$ modes will equilibrate faster, as has been claimed in recent experimental work. We identify three time regimes. At short times $n_{\mathbf k}$ exhibits oscillations; these are damped out at intermediate times where the system appears to be in a false-equilibrium. Finally, at longer times, full equilibration occurs. This false-equilibrium is associated with the necessarily slower relaxation of the condensate which sufficiently high ${\mathbf k}$-states (of the excitation response) will then quasi-adiabatically follow. Our work bears on the recent literature focus on interaction quench experiments. We take issue with the fact that theories to date assume that the oscillatory regime is adequate for addressing experiments.