title: Dissipative Double-Well Potential for Cold Atoms: Kramers Rate and Stochastic Resonance.
abstract: We experimentally study particle exchange in a dissipative double-well potential using laser-cooled atoms in a hybrid trap. We measure the particle hopping rate as a function of barrier height, temperature, and atom number. Single-particle resolution allows us to measure rates over more than 4 orders of magnitude and distinguish the effects of loss and hopping. Deviations from the Arrhenius-law scaling at high barrier heights occur due to cold collisions between atoms within a well. By driving the system periodically, we characterize the phenomenon of stochastic resonance in the system response.
authors.affiliation: Kirchhoff-Institute for Physics, University of Heidelberg, INF 227, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany.
authors.forename: Ion
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Stroescu
authors.affiliation: Kirchhoff-Institute for Physics, University of Heidelberg, INF 227, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany.
authors.forename: David B
authors.initials: DB
authors.lastname: Hume
authors.affiliation: Kirchhoff-Institute for Physics, University of Heidelberg, INF 227, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany.
authors.forename: Markus K
authors.initials: MK
authors.lastname: Oberthaler