Density modulations in an elongated Bose-Einstein condensate released from a disordered potential
David ClémentLaboratoire Charles Fabry de l’Institut d’Optique, CNRS and Univ. Paris-Sud, Campus Polytechnique, RD 128, F-91127 Palaiseau cedex, FrancePhilippe BouyerLaboratoire Charles Fabry de l’Institut d’Optique, CNRS and Univ. Paris-Sud, Campus Polytechnique, RD 128, F-91127 Palaiseau cedex, FranceAlain AspectLaboratoire Charles Fabry de l’Institut d’Optique, CNRS and Univ. Paris-Sud, Campus Polytechnique, RD 128, F-91127 Palaiseau cedex, FranceLaurent Sanchez-PalenciaLaboratoire Charles Fabry de l’Institut d’Optique, CNRS and Univ. Paris-Sud, Campus Polytechnique, RD 128, F-91127 Palaiseau cedex, France
2008en
ABI
Abstract
We observe large density modulations in time-of-flight images of elongated Bose-Einstein condensates, initially confined in a harmonic trap and in the presence of weak disorder. The development of these modulations during the time of flight and their dependence with the disorder are investigated. We render an account of this effect using numerical and analytical calculations. We conclude that the observed large density modulations originate from the weak initial density modulations induced by the disorder and not from initial phase fluctuations (thermal or quantum).
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