Influence of quantum entanglement on quantum tunnelling between two atomic Bose-Einstein condensates [rapid communication]

We investigate the influence of quantum entanglement (QE) on an atomic tunnelling process in two Bose Einstein condensates (BECs) with tunnelling interaction. We show that through changing the initial QE one can control macroscopic quantum self-trapping (MQST) and the atomic tunnelling current (ATC). We also show that the QE can enhance and suppress the MQST and ATC significantly under certain conditions. It is indicated that the maximal entanglement between two BECs can induce an equal-population stationary state. It is found that the distribution of the Shapiro-like steps of the ATC is equal-distant, and the size of each step can be controlled through changing the amount of entanglement.