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Physical Review A, Atomic, Molecular and Optical Physics

Publication date: 2005-12-01
Volume: 72
Publisher: Published by the American Physical Society through the American Institute of Physics

Author:

Kronjager, J
Becker, C ; Brinkmann, M ; Walser, R ; Navez, Patrick ; Bongs, K ; Sengstock, K

Keywords:

gases, Science & Technology, Physical Sciences, Optics, Physics, Atomic, Molecular & Chemical, Physics, QUANTUM-STATISTICAL THEORY, EMISSION, 01 Mathematical Sciences, 02 Physical Sciences, 03 Chemical Sciences, General Physics, 34 Chemical sciences, 49 Mathematical sciences, 51 Physical sciences

Abstract:

We present measurements and a theoretical model for the interplay of spin-dependent interactions and external magnetic fields in atomic spinor condensates. We highlight general features such as quadratic Zeeman dephasing and its influence on coherent spin mixing processes by focusing on a specific coherent superposition state in a F=1 Rb-87 Bose-Einstein condensate. In particular, we observe the transition from coherent spinor oscillations to the thermal equilibration.