English

Relaxation dynamics in the merging of $N$ independent condensates

Quantum Gases 2017-11-15 v2 Quantum Physics

Abstract

Controlled quantum systems such as ultracold atoms can provide powerful platforms to study non-equilibrium dynamics of closed many-body quantum systems, especially since a complete theoretical description is generally challenging. In this Letter, we present a detailed study of the rich out-of-equilibrium dynamics of an adjustable number NN of uncorrelated condensates after connecting them in a ring-shaped optical trap. We observe the formation of long-lived supercurrents and confirm the scaling of their winding number with NN in agreement with the geodesic rule. Moreover, we provide insight into the microscopic mechanism that underlies the smoothening of the phase profile.

Keywords

Cite

@article{arxiv.1705.02650,
  title  = {Relaxation dynamics in the merging of $N$ independent condensates},
  author = {M. Aidelsburger and J. L. Ville and R. Saint-Jalm and S. Nascimbène and J. Dalibard and J. Beugnon},
  journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:1705.02650},
  year   = {2017}
}