Fractal templates in the escape dynamics of trapped ultracold atoms
- School of Natural Sciences, University of California, Merced, California 95344 (United States)
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 experimental escape data. These data can 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.
- OSTI ID:
- 21015903
- Journal Information:
- Physical Review. A, Vol. 76, Issue 3; Other Information: DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevA.76.031403; (c) 2007 The American Physical Society; Country of input: International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA); ISSN 1050-2947
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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