Article abstract
Nature Physics 4, 496 - 501 (2008)
Published online: 4 May 2008 | doi:10.1038/nphys962
Subject Categories: Atomic and molecular physics | Statistical physics, thermodynamics and nonlinear dynamics
Oscillations and interactions of dark and dark–bright solitons in Bose–Einstein condensates
Christoph Becker1, Simon Stellmer1, Parvis Soltan-Panahi1, Sören Dörscher1, Mathis Baumert1, Eva-Maria Richter1, Jochen Kronjäger1, Kai Bongs2 & Klaus Sengstock1
Abstract
Solitons are among the most distinguishing fundamental excitations in a wide range of nonlinear systems such as water in narrow channels, high-speed optical communication, molecular biology and astrophysics. Stabilized by a balance between spreading and focusing, solitons are wave packets that share some exceptional generic features such as form stability and particle-like properties. Ultracold quantum gases represent very pure and well-controlled nonlinear systems, therefore offering unique possibilities to study soliton dynamics. Here, we report on the observation of long-lived dark and dark–bright solitons with lifetimes of up to several seconds as well as their dynamics in highly stable optically trapped 87Rb Bose–Einstein condensates. In particular, our detailed studies of dark and dark–bright soliton oscillations reveal the particle-like nature of these collective excitations for the first time. In addition, we discuss the collision between these two types of solitary excitation in Bose–Einstein condensates.
- Institut für Laser-Physik, Universität Hamburg, Luruper Chaussee 149, 22761 Hamburg, Germany
- MUARC, School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK
Correspondence to: Klaus Sengstock1 e-mail: sengstock@physnet.uni-hamburg.de
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