Title | Quantum and Classical Dynamics of a BEC in a Large-Period Optical Lattice |
Publication Type | Journal Article |
Year of Publication | 2009 |
Authors | J. H. Huckans, I. B. Spielman, L. B. Tolra, W. D. Phillips, and J. V. Porto |
Journal | Physical Review A |
Volume | 80 |
Pagination | 043609 |
Date Published | jan |
Keywords | 2009 |
Abstract | We experimentally investigate diffraction of a Rb-87 Bose-Einstein condensate from a 1D optical lattice. We use a range of lattice periods and timescales, including those beyond the Raman-Nath limit. We compare the results to quantum mechanical and classical simulations, with quantitative and qualitative agreement, respectively. The classical simulation predicts that the envelope of the time-evolving diffraction pattern is shaped by caustics: singularities in the phase space density of classical trajectories. This behavior becomes increasingly clear as the lattice period grows. |
URL | http://arxiv.org/abs/0901.1386 |