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.
Institut für Laser-Physik, Universität Hamburg, Luruper Chaussee 149, 22761 Hamburg, Germany.
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H
Schmaljohann
M
M
Erhard
J
J
Kronjäger
M
M
Kottke
S
S
van Staa
L
L
Cacciapuoti
J J
JJ
Arlt
K
K
Bongs
K
K
Sengstock