Counting Statistics of a Bose-Einstein Condensate in a Double-Well Potential

Katrina Smith-Mannschott

Published Jan 1, 2008• 0 citations

Abstract

This thesis aims to investigate the dynamic properties of ultra-cold Bose-Einstein condensates (BEC) trapped in a deep double well potential. Despite its simplicity, this system shows a rich variety of dynamical behaviors: Josephson oscillations, self-trapping behavior and critical dynamics. In contrast to previous studies, we aim to understand not only the first moment of the evolving occupation probability, but all its moments. This is known in mesoscopic physics as the "counting statistics" problem. Using the quantum dimer, we are the first to address the effects of interatomic interactions on counting statistics. We expect that our predictions will be easily tested in recent experimental realizations of the BEC double well trap.

DOI: 10.14418/wes01.1.321

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