Discover
/
Article

Bose Condensates Produce Coherent Nonlinear Behavior

SEP 01, 1999
The coherence of the condensate gives rise to four‐wave mixing or perhaps superradiance.

Because the atoms in a gaseous Bose condensate have nearly the same single‐particle wavefunction, they can serve as sources of coherent atomic beams, or atom lasers. In analogy to an optical laser, the gain mechanism in the formation of a condensate of ultracold atoms is bosonic stimulation. (Bosonic stimulation occurs when N bosons are in a given state, and the transition rate into that state is proportional to N+1, so that the number of particles in that state is enhanced.)

This article is only available in PDF format

Related content
/
Article
The physicist-philosopher’s work on understanding climate change is also relevant for adaptation measures in health, law, and the economy.
/
Article
This Content Appeared In
pt-cover_1999_09.jpeg

Volume 52, Number 9

Get PT newsletters in your inbox

pt_newsletter_card_blue.png
PT The Week in Physics

A collection of PT's content from the previous week delivered every Monday.

pt_newsletter_card_darkblue.png
PT New Issue Alert

Be notified about the new issue with links to highlights and the full TOC.

pt_newsletter_card_pink.png
PT Webinars & White Papers

The latest webinars, white papers and other informational resources.

By signing up you agree to allow AIP to send you email newsletters. You further agree to our privacy policy and terms of service.