Challenges
Datasets
Workspaces
Papers
Discussions
Leaderboard
Log inSign up
Challenges
Datasets
Workspaces
Papers
Discussions
Leaderboard
Blog
Job Board
Q3AS

© 2026 Aqora Quantum S.A.S.

TermsPrivacyLegal Notice

arXiv:physics/0612052 · Physical Review A

Fractal templates in the escape dynamics of trapped ultracold atoms

Kevin Mitchell, D. Steck

Published Sep 17, 2007• 20 citations
arXivHTMLPDF

Abstract

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.

DOI
10.1103/physreva.76.031403

Related papers

Nonlinear enhancement of the fractal structure in the escape dynamics of Bose-Einstein condensates

Kevin Mitchell, Boaz Ilan

We consider the escape dynamics of an ensemble of Bose-Einstein-condensed atoms from an optical-dipole trap consisting of two overlapping Gaussian wells. Earlier theoretical studies (based on a model of quantum evolution using ensembles of classical trajectories) predicted that self-similar fractal features could be visible in this system by measuring the escaping flux as a function of time for varying initial conditions. Here, direct numerical quantum simulations show the clear influence of quantum interference on the escape data. Fractal features are still evident in the data, albeit with interference fringes superposed. Furthermore, the nonlinear influence of atom-atom interactions is also considered, in the context of the $(2+1)$-dimensional Gross-Pitaevskii equation. Of particular note is that an attractive nonlinear interaction enhances the resolution of fractal structures in the escape data. Thus, the interplay between nonlinear focusing and dispersion results in dynamics that resolve the underlying classical fractal more faithfully than the noninteracting quantum (or classical) dynamics.

Physical Review A•Oct 8, 2009•6 citations

Investigation of the Bose–Einstein condensation based on fractality using fractional mathematics

Hüseyin Şirin, Hüseyin Ertik, Fevzi Büyükkılıç +1 more

Although atomic Bose gases are investigated in the dilute gas regime, the physical properties of the Bose–Einstein condensates are affected by interparticle interactions and the fractal nature of the space where the Bose systems are evolving. Theoretical predictions of the traditional Bose–Einstein thermostatistics do not account for the deviations from the experimental results, which are related to internal energy, specific heat, transition temperature, etc. On the other hand, in this study, fractional calculus is introduced where effects of the fractality of space are taken into account. Meanwhile, the order of the fractional derivative α is handled as a measure of the fractality of space. In this content, some improvements which take into account the effects of the fractal nature of the system are made in the standard physical results of the Bose–Einstein condensation phenomena. As an example, for the dilute atomic gas 7Li, the measured transition temperature of Bose–Einstein condensation could be obtained for the value of α ≈ 0.976, and one could predict that the interparticle interactions have a weak attractive nature consistent with experiment (Bradley et al 1995 Phys. Rev. Lett. 75 1687). Thus, a fractional mathematical theory is established in coherence with experimental results of Bose–Einstein condensation.

Journal of Statistical Mechanics Theory and Experiment•Oct 21, 2010•2 citations

Wave Packet Dynamics with Bose-Einstein Condensates

Ralph Dum, Anna Sanpera, Kalle‐Antti Suominen +4 more

We numerically study wave packet dynamics of a Bose-Einstein condensate in a periodically shaken trap. Dynamic splitting of the condensate, and dynamic stabilization against escape from the trap are analyzed in analogy with similar behavior of atoms in strong laser fields.

arXiv:quant-ph/9708009•Physical Review Letters•May 4, 1998•38 citations

Gap-type dark localized modes in a Bose–Einstein condensate with optical lattices

Liangwei Zeng, Jianhua Zeng

Bose–Einstein condensate (BEC) exhibits a variety of fascinating and unexpected macroscopic phenomena, and has attracted sustained attention in recent years—particularly in the field of solitons and associated nonlinear phenomena. Meanwhile, optical lattices have emerged as a versatile toolbox for understanding the properties and controlling the dynamics of BEC, among which the realization of bright gap solitons is an iconic result. However, the dark gap solitons are still experimentally unproven, and their properties in more than one dimension remain unknown. In light of this, we describe, numerically and theoretically, the formation and stability properties of gap-type dark localized modes in the context of ultracold atoms trapped in optical lattices. Two kinds of stable dark localized modes—gap solitons and soliton clusters—are predicted in both the one- and two-dimensional geometries. The vortical counterparts of both modes are also constructed in two dimensions. A unique feature is the existence of a nonlinear Bloch-wave background on which all above gap modes are situated. By employing linear-stability analysis and direct simulations, stability regions of the predicted modes are obtained. Our results offer the possibility of observing dark gap localized structures with cutting-edge techniques in ultracold atoms experiments and beyond, including in optics with photonic crystals and lattices.

arXiv:1909.09781•Advanced Photonics•Aug 27, 2019•68 citations

Driven collective quantum tunneling of ultracold atoms in engineered optical lattices

Рамаз Хомерики, Stefano Ruffo, Sandro Wimberger

Collective quantum tunneling of a Bose-Einstein condensate between two parts of an optical lattice separated by an energy barrier is theoretically investigated. We show that by a pulsewise change of the barrier height, it is possible to switch between a tunneling regime and a self-trapped one. This property of the system is explained by effectively reducing the nonlinear dynamics of the system to that of a particle moving in a double square well potential. The analysis is performed for both attractive and repulsive interatomic forces, and emphasizes the experimental relevance of our findings.

arXiv:cond-mat/0610014•Europhysics Letters (EPL)•Feb 1, 2007•9 citations

Macroscopic Self-Trapping and Dynamical Phase Transition in Momentum Space Bose-Einstein Condensates

Colby E. Schimelfenig, Federico Serrano, Corey Halverson +3 more

Self-trapping is a hallmark phenomenon of nonlinear dynamics. It has significant applications in modern physics, including band structure engineering, phase transition dynamics, quantum metrology, and more. Dilute-gas Bose-Einstein condensates (BECs), in which self-trapping can arise from interatomic interactions, are a prime testbed for probing nonlinear dynamics. In this Letter, we report the observation of self-trapping in a spin-orbit coupled BEC subjected to a stationary optical lattice. We employ Raman-induced spin-orbit coupling, complemented by a matching optical lattice that facilitates coupling between momentum eigenstates of the spin-orbit coupled system. By ramping the Raman detuning, we probe atomic current flow between these eigenstates and identify a clear distinction between a delocalized mixed state and a self-trapped regime. Following a quench of the Raman detuning, the time-averaged atomic current exhibits non-analytic behavior across the transition between these two regimes in certain parameter ranges, signaling a dynamical phase transition in the system.

arXiv:2510.13056•Oct 15, 2025•0 citations
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.
We consider the escape dynamics of an ensemble of Bose-Einstein-condensed atoms from an optical-dipole trap consisting of two overlapping Gaussian wells. Earlier theoretical studies (based on a model of quantum evolution using ensembles of classical trajectories) predicted that self-similar fractal features could be visible in this system by measuring the escaping flux as a function of time for varying initial conditions. Here, direct numerical quantum simulations show the clear influence of quantum interference on the escape data. Fractal features are still evident in the data, albeit with interference fringes superposed. Furthermore, the nonlinear influence of atom-atom interactions is also considered, in the context of the (2+1)(2+1)(2+1)-dimensional Gross-Pitaevskii equation. Of particular note is that an attractive nonlinear interaction enhances the resolution of fractal structures in the escape data. Thus, the interplay between nonlinear focusing and dispersion results in dynamics that resolve the underlying classical fractal more faithfully than the noninteracting quantum (or classical) dynamics.
Although atomic Bose gases are investigated in the dilute gas regime, the physical properties of the Bose–Einstein condensates are affected by interparticle interactions and the fractal nature of the space where the Bose systems are evolving. Theoretical predictions of the traditional Bose–Einstein thermostatistics do not account for the deviations from the experimental results, which are related to internal energy, specific heat, transition temperature, etc. On the other hand, in this study, fractional calculus is introduced where effects of the fractality of space are taken into account. Meanwhile, the order of the fractional derivative α is handled as a measure of the fractality of space. In this content, some improvements which take into account the effects of the fractal nature of the system are made in the standard physical results of the Bose–Einstein condensation phenomena. As an example, for the dilute atomic gas 7Li, the measured transition temperature of Bose–Einstein condensation could be obtained for the value of α ≈ 0.976, and one could predict that the interparticle interactions have a weak attractive nature consistent with experiment (Bradley et al 1995 Phys. Rev. Lett. 75 1687). Thus, a fractional mathematical theory is established in coherence with experimental results of Bose–Einstein condensation.
Bose–Einstein condensate (BEC) exhibits a variety of fascinating and unexpected macroscopic phenomena, and has attracted sustained attention in recent years—particularly in the field of solitons and associated nonlinear phenomena. Meanwhile, optical lattices have emerged as a versatile toolbox for understanding the properties and controlling the dynamics of BEC, among which the realization of bright gap solitons is an iconic result. However, the dark gap solitons are still experimentally unproven, and their properties in more than one dimension remain unknown. In light of this, we describe, numerically and theoretically, the formation and stability properties of gap-type dark localized modes in the context of ultracold atoms trapped in optical lattices. Two kinds of stable dark localized modes—gap solitons and soliton clusters—are predicted in both the one- and two-dimensional geometries. The vortical counterparts of both modes are also constructed in two dimensions. A unique feature is the existence of a nonlinear Bloch-wave background on which all above gap modes are situated. By employing linear-stability analysis and direct simulations, stability regions of the predicted modes are obtained. Our results offer the possibility of observing dark gap localized structures with cutting-edge techniques in ultracold atoms experiments and beyond, including in optics with photonic crystals and lattices.
Collective quantum tunneling of a Bose-Einstein condensate between two parts of an optical lattice separated by an energy barrier is theoretically investigated. We show that by a pulsewise change of the barrier height, it is possible to switch between a tunneling regime and a self-trapped one. This property of the system is explained by effectively reducing the nonlinear dynamics of the system to that of a particle moving in a double square well potential. The analysis is performed for both attractive and repulsive interatomic forces, and emphasizes the experimental relevance of our findings.
Self-trapping is a hallmark phenomenon of nonlinear dynamics. It has significant applications in modern physics, including band structure engineering, phase transition dynamics, quantum metrology, and more. Dilute-gas Bose-Einstein condensates (BECs), in which self-trapping can arise from interatomic interactions, are a prime testbed for probing nonlinear dynamics. In this Letter, we report the observation of self-trapping in a spin-orbit coupled BEC subjected to a stationary optical lattice. We employ Raman-induced spin-orbit coupling, complemented by a matching optical lattice that facilitates coupling between momentum eigenstates of the spin-orbit coupled system. By ramping the Raman detuning, we probe atomic current flow between these eigenstates and identify a clear distinction between a delocalized mixed state and a self-trapped regime. Following a quench of the Raman detuning, the time-averaged atomic current exhibits non-analytic behavior across the transition between these two regimes in certain parameter ranges, signaling a dynamical phase transition in the system.