Fractal templates in the escape dynamics of trapped ultracold atoms
Abstract
We consider the dynamic escape of a small packet of ultracold atoms launched from within an optical dipole trap. Based on a theoretical analysis of the underlying nonlinear dynamics, we predict that fractal behavior can be seen in the escape data. This data would be collected by measuring the time-dependent escape rate for packets launched over a range of angles. This fractal pattern is particularly well resolved below the Bose-Einstein transition temperature--a direct result of the extreme phase space localization of the condensate. We predict that several self-similar layers of this novel fractal should be measurable and we explain how this fractal pattern can be predicted and analyzed with recently developed techniques in symbolic dynamics.
Keywords
Cite
@article{arxiv.physics/0612052,
title = {Fractal templates in the escape dynamics of trapped ultracold atoms},
author = {Kevin A. Mitchell and Daniel A. Steck},
journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:physics/0612052},
year = {2009}
}
Comments
11 pages with 5 figures