Quantum Phase Transitions and Continuous Observation of Spinor Dynamics in an Antiferromagnetic Condensate
Abstract
Condensates of spin-1 sodium display rich spin dynamics due to the antiferromagnetic nature of the interactions in this system. We use Faraday rotation spectroscopy to make a continuous and minimally destructive measurement of the dynamics over multiple spin oscillations on a single evolving condensate. This method provides a sharp signature to locate a magnetically tuned separatrix in phase space which depends on the net magnetization. We also observe a phase transition from a two- to a three-component condensate at a low but finite temperature using a Stern-Gerlach imaging technique. This transition should be preserved as a zero-temperature quantum phase transition.
- Publication:
-
Physical Review Letters
- Pub Date:
- March 2009
- DOI:
- 10.1103/PhysRevLett.102.125301
- arXiv:
- arXiv:0902.3189
- Bibcode:
- 2009PhRvL.102l5301L
- Keywords:
-
- 67.85.-d;
- 03.75.Kk;
- 03.75.Mn;
- 64.70.Tg;
- Ultracold gases trapped gases;
- Dynamic properties of condensates;
- collective and hydrodynamic excitations superfluid flow;
- Multicomponent condensates;
- spinor condensates;
- Quantum phase transitions;
- Condensed Matter - Other Condensed Matter
- E-Print:
- Accepted for publication in Physical Review Letters