Abstract
We investigate the time taken for global collapse by a dipolar Bose-Einstein condensate. Two semianalytical approaches and exact numerical integration of the mean-field dynamics are considered. The semianalytical approaches are based on a Gaussian ansatz and a Thomas-Fermi solution for the shape of the condensate. The regimes of validity for these two approaches are determined, and their predictions for the collapse time revealed and compared with numerical simulations. The dipolar interactions introduce anisotropy into the collapse dynamics and predominantly lead to collapse in the plane perpendicular to the axis of polarization.
- Received 24 September 2008
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevA.78.061607
©2008 American Physical Society