We predict a dynamical classical superfluid-insulator transition in a Bose-Einstein condensate trapped in an optical and a magnetic potential. In the tight-binding limit, this system realizes an array of weakly coupled condensates driven by an external harmonic field. For small displacements of the parabolic trap about the equilibrium position, the condensates coherently oscillate in the array. For large displacements, the condensates remain localized on the side of the harmonic trap with a randomization of the relative phases. The superfluid-insulator transition is due to a discrete modulational instability, occurring when the condensate center of mass velocity is larger than a critical value.We predict a dynamical classical superfluid-insulator transition in a Bose-Einstein condensate trapped in an optical and a magnetic potential. In the tight-binding limit, this system realizes an array of weakly coupled condensates driven by an external harmonic field. For small displacements of the parabolic trap about the equilibrium position, the condensates coherently oscillate in the array. For large displacements, the condensates remain localized on the side of the harmonic trap with a randomization of the relative phases. The superfluid-insulator transition is due to a discrete modulational instability, occurring when the condensate center of mass velocity is larger than a critical value.

arXiv:cond-mat/0207172Physical Review LettersOct 3, 2002326 citations

Bose-Einstein Condensates in Magnetic Micro Traps

Claus Zimmermann, József Fortágh, Herwig Ott +2 more

International Conference on Atomic Physics (ICAP)Apr 1, 20031 citation

Alkali-metal adsorbate polarization on conducting and insulating surfaces probed with Bose-Einstein condensates

J. M. McGuirk, D. M. Harber, John Obrecht +1 more

A magnetically trapped $^{87}\mathrm{Rb}$ Bose-Einstein condensate is used as a sensitive probe of short-range electrical forces. In particular, the electric polarization of, and the subsequent electric field generated by, $^{87}\mathrm{Rb}$ adsorbates on conducting and insulating surfaces is measured by characterizing perturbations to the magnetic trapping potential using high quality factor condensate excitations. The nature of the alterations to the electrical properties of $\mathrm{Rb}$ adsorbates is studied on titanium (metal) and silicon (semiconductor) surfaces, which exhibit nearly identical properties, and on glass (insulator), which displays a smaller transitory electrical effect. The limits of this technique in detecting electrical fields and ramifications for measurements of short-range forces near surfaces are discussed.A magnetically trapped $^{87}\mathrm{Rb}$ Bose-Einstein condensate is used as a sensitive probe of short-range electrical forces. In particular, the electric polarization of, and the subsequent electric field generated by, $^{87}\mathrm{Rb}$ adsorbates on conducting and insulating surfaces is measured by characterizing perturbations to the magnetic trapping potential using high quality factor condensate excitations. The nature of the alterations to the electrical properties of $\mathrm{Rb}$ adsorbates is studied on titanium (metal) and silicon (semiconductor) surfaces, which exhibit nearly identical properties, and on glass (insulator), which displays a smaller transitory electrical effect. The limits of this technique in detecting electrical fields and ramifications for measurements of short-range forces near surfaces are discussed.

arXiv:cond-mat/0403254Physical Review AJun 22, 2004115 citations

Bose-Einstein condensation in magnetic systems under strong fields

Daniel Reyes, M. A. Contínentino, Armando Paduan-Filho

Jan 17, 20080 citations

A magnetically trapped

^{87}\mathrm{Rb}

Bose-Einstein condensate is used as a sensitive probe of short-range electrical forces. In particular, the electric polarization of, and the subsequent electric field generated by,

^{87}\mathrm{Rb}

adsorbates on conducting and insulating surfaces is measured by characterizing perturbations to the magnetic trapping potential using high quality factor condensate excitations. The nature of the alterations to the electrical properties of

\mathrm{Rb}

adsorbates is studied on titanium (metal) and silicon (semiconductor) surfaces, which exhibit nearly identical properties, and on glass (insulator), which displays a smaller transitory electrical effect. The limits of this technique in detecting electrical fields and ramifications for measurements of short-range forces near surfaces are discussed.