RUI: Binary Bose-Einstein Condensates near a Feshbach Resonance

Amherst College, Amherst MA

Investigators

Abstract

This project focuses on the study of the effects of varying the strength of the atomic interactions in a binary, two-spin-state Bose-Einstein Condensate in Rb-87. Two avenues of research will be pursued. In the first series of experiments the physics of a Feshbach resonance will be uniquely examined using the double-condensate system. In these experiments the second condensate component is used as a tool that permits approaching the resonance suddenly from both sides, and in a novel manner. In the second series of experiments the Feshbach resonance will be used to create binary Bose fluid systems of varying interaction strengths, with a particular emphasis on the physics of component separation. In this set of experiments the second component serves as a phase reference for interferometric studies of a condensate in the vicinity of a resonance.