Dynamics of F=2 spinor Bose-Einstein condensates.
We experimentally investigate and analyze the rich dynamics in F=2 spinor Bose-Einstein condensates of 87Rb. An interplay between mean-field driven spin dynamics and hyperfine-changing losses in addition to interactions with the thermal component is observed. In particular, we measure conversion rates in the range of 10(-12) cm(3) s(-1) for spin-changing collisions within the F=2 manifold and spin-dependent loss rates in the range of 10(-13) cm(3) s(-1) for hyperfine-changing collisions. We observe polar behavior in the F=2 ground state of 87Rb, while we find the F=1 ground state to be ferromagnetic. We further see a magnetization for condensates prepared with nonzero total spin.
Schmaljohann
H
H
Institut für Laser-Physik, Universität Hamburg, Luruper Chaussee 149, 22761 Hamburg, Germany.
Erhard
M
M
Kronjäger
J
J
Kottke
M
M
van Staa
S
S
Cacciapuoti
L
L
Arlt
J J
JJ
Bongs
K
K
Sengstock
K
K