Quantum state of two trapped Bose-Einstein condensates with a Josephson coupling

M. J. Steel and M. J. Collett
Phys. Rev. A 57, 2920 – Published 1 April 1998
PDFExport Citation

Abstract

We consider the precise quantum state of two trapped, coupled Bose-Einstein condensates in the two-mode approximation. We seek a representation of the state in terms of a Wigner-like distribution on the two-mode Bloch sphere. The problem is solved using a self-consistent rotation of the unknown state to the south pole of the sphere. The two-mode Hamiltonian is projected onto the harmonic-oscillator phase plane, where it can be solved by standard techniques. Our results show how the number of atoms in each trap and the squeezing in the number difference depend on the physical parameters. Considering negative scattering lengths, we show that there is a regime of squeezing in the relative phase of the condensates which occurs for weaker interactions than the superposition states found by Cirac et al. (quant-ph/9706034). The phase squeezing is also apparent in mildly asymmetric trap configurations.

  • Received 15 October 1997

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevA.57.2920

©1998 American Physical Society

Authors & Affiliations

M. J. Steel and M. J. Collett

  • Department of Physics, University of Auckland, Private Bag 92 019, Auckland, New Zealand

References (Subscription Required)

Click to Expand
Issue

Vol. 57, Iss. 4 — April 1998

Reuse & Permissions
Access Options
Author publication services for translation and copyediting assistance advertisement

Authorization Required


×
×

Images

×

Sign up to receive regular email alerts from Physical Review A

Log In

Cancel
×

Search


Article Lookup

Paste a citation or DOI

Enter a citation
×