This thesis investigates thermalisation, correlations and entanglement in Bose-Einstein condensates. Bose-Einstein condensates are ultra-cold collections of identical bosonic atoms which accumulate in a single quantum state, forming a mesoscopic quantum object. They are clean and controllable quantum many-body systems that permit an unprecedented degree of experimental flexibility compared to other physical systems. Further, a tractable microscopic theory exists which allows a direct and powerful comparison between theory and experiment, propelling the field of quantum atom optics forward at an incredible pace. Here we explore some of the fundamental frontiers of the field, examining how non-classical correlations and entanglement can be created and measured, as well as how non-classical effects can lead to the rapid heating of atom clouds. We first investigate correlations between two weakly coupled condensates, a system analogous to a superconducting Josephson junction. The ground state of this system contains non-classical number correlation arising from the repulsion between the atoms. Such states are of interest because they may lead to more precise measurement devices such as atomic gyroscopes. Unfortunately thermal fluctuations can destroy these correlations, and great care is needed to experimentally observe non-classical effects. We show that adiabatic evolution can drive the isolated quantum system out of thermal equilibrium and decrease thermal noise, in agreement with a recent experiment [Esteve et al. Nature 455, 1216 (2008)]. This technique may be valuable for observing and using quantum correlated states in the future. Next, we analyse the rapid heating that occurs when a condensate is placed in a moving periodic potential. The dynamical instability responsible for the heating was the subject of much uncertainty, which we suggest was due to the inability of the mean-field approximation to account for important spontaneous scattering processes. We show that a model including non-classical spontaneous scattering can describe dynamical instabilities correctly in each of the regimes where they have been observed, and in particular we compare our simulations to an experiment performed at the University of Otago deep inside the spontaneous scattering regime. Finally, we proposed a method to create and detect entangled atomic wave-packets. Entangled atoms are interesting from a fundamental perspective, and may prove useful in future quantum information and precision measurement technologies. Entanglement is generated by interactions, such as atomic collisions in Bose-Einstein condensates. We analyse the type of entanglement generated via atomic collisions and introduce an abstract scheme for detecting entanglement and demonstrating the Einstein-Podolsky-Rosen paradox with ultra-cold atoms. We further this result by proposing an experiment where entangled wave-packets are created and detected. The entanglement is generated by the pairwise scattering that causes the instabilities in moving periodic potentials mentioned above. By careful arrangement, the instability process can be controlled to to produce two well-defined atomic wave-packets. The presence of entanglement can be proven by applying a series of laser pulses to interfere the wave-packets and then measuring the output populations. Realising this experiment is feasible with current technology.

The properties of an atomic Bose-Einstein condensate in a double-well potential are investigated through a two-mode analysis. An analytic solution for the semiclassical tunnelling and self-trapping dynamics is compared with numerical simulations of the quantum dynamics, which exhibit collapses and revivals for a closed system. A continuous non-destructive measurement technique to monitor the Josephson tunnelling oscillations is presented, in which the condensate in one well dispersively shifts the phase of a coherent probe beam in proportion to atom-number. The evolution of the resulting homodyne photocurrent and Bloch Q distributions shows that oscillations develop even when the initial state possesses phase symmetry. The conditional dynamics of the condensate which result from measurement back-action also appear in certain semiclassical formulations. The homodyne measurement technique is incorporated into a proposed weak-force detector. A maximally entangled initial state, which is the ground state for a double condensate with strong attractive atomic interactions, enables a high-precision measurement. The dynamics of quantum many-body multimode systems of interacting bosons are simulated using phase-space methods. The use of the Wigner technique predicts novel noise effects in fibre solitons. The positive-P representation is used to simulate the formation of mesoscopic Bose-Einstein condensates via evaporative cooling in three dimensional atom traps. The results indicate highly non-classical behaviour near the critical point, and provide evidence for the spontaneous formation of vortices. Comparisons with corresponding mean-field calculations reveal large differences between the semiclassical and fully quantum results. Finally, the possibility of future progress with alternative phase-space methods is considered.

Thesis (Ph.D.) - University of St Andrews, January 2008.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Texas at Austin, 2004. / Supervisor: Daniel J. Heinzen. Vita. Includes bibliographical references. Also available from UMI.

Stuttgart, Univ., Diss., 2003.

Investigamos nesta tese dois modelos integráveis para condensados de Bose-Einstein. Come¸camos com um modelo simples que descreve o tunelamento Josephson entre dois condensados de Bose-Einstein. Alguns aspectos matemáticos deste modelo tais como sua solução exata através do método algébrico do ansatz de Bethe são discutidos. Usando uma análise clássica, estudamos as equações de movimento e as curvas de nível do hamiltoniano. Finalmente, a dinâmica quântica do modelo é investigada usando diagonalização exata do hamiltoniano. Em ambas análises, a existência de um limiar de acoplamento entre uma fase não localizada e uma fase de auto-aprisionamento é evidente, em concordância qualitativa com os experimentos. Consideramos subsequentemente um modelo para um condensado de Bose-Einstein atômico-molecular. Por meio da álgebra de Yang-Baxter e do método algébrico do ansatz de Bethe sua integrabilidade é estabelecida e a solução do ansatz de Bethe, bem como os autovalores da energia são obtidos. Usando uma análise clássica, determinamos os pontos fixos do sistema no espaço de fase. Encontramos que os pontos fixos de bifurca¸c˜ao separam naturalmente o espa¸co dos parâmetros de acoplamento em quatro regiões. Estas quatro regiões originam as dinâmicas qualitativamente diferentes. Mostramos então, que esta classificação também vale para a dinâmica quântica. Finalmente, investigamos as transições de fase quânticas destes modelos utilizando os conceitos de emaranhamento, gap de energia e fidelidade. / In this thesis we investigate two integrable models for Bose-Einstein condensates. We begin with a simple model that describes Josephson tunneling between two Bose-Einstein condensates. We discuss some mathematical aspects of this model such as its exact solvability through the algebraic Bethe ansatz. Then using a classical analysis, we study the equations of motion and the level curves of the Hamiltonian. Finally, the quantum dynamics of the model is investigated using direct diagonalisation of the Hamiltonian. In both of these analyses, the existence of a threshold coupling between a delocalised and a self-trapped phase is evident, in qualitative agreement with experiments. We consider subsequently a model for atomic-molecular Bose-Einstein condensates. By means of the Yang-Baxter algebra and the algebraic Bethe ansatz its integrability is established and the Bethe ansatz solution as well as the energy eingenvalues are obtained. Then using a classical analysis we determine the phase space fixed points of the system. It is found that bifurcations of the fixed points naturally separate the coupling parameter space into four regions. The different regions give rise to qualitatively different dynamics. We then show that this classification holds true for the quantum dynamics. Finally, we investigate the quantum phase transitions of these models using the concepts of entanglement, energy gap and fidelity.

Neste trabalho nós investigamos o modelo de Bose-Hubbard de dois sítios atrativo sob o ponto de vista do ansatz de Bethe. Este modelo descreve o tunelamento Josephson entre dois condensados de Bose-Einstein. Nós iniciamos estabelecendo a integrabilidade do modelo através da álgebra de Yang-Baxter. Usando uma análise clássica nós obtemos o diagrama de parâmetros do sistema. Nós estudamos então as transições de fase quânticas do modelo usando os conceitos de gap de energia, emaranhamento e fidelidade. Nós encontramos que o ponto crítico obtido utilizando estes conceitos coincide com o ponto fixo de bifurcação obtido na análise clássica. Além disso, nós mostramos que este ponto crítico também pode ser identificado através de uma mudança no comportamento das soluções das equações do ansatz de Bethe do modelo para o estado fundamental. / In this work we investigate the attractive two-site Bose Hubbard model from a Bethe ansatz perspective. This model describes Josephson tunneling between two Bose-Einstein condensates. We begin by establishing the integrability of the model through the Yang- Baxter algebra. Using a classical analysis we obtain the phase space xed points of the system. Then we study the quantum phase transitions of the model using the concepts of energy gap, entanglement entropy and the delity. We nd that the critical point obtained using these concepts coincides with the bifurcation point obtained in the classical analysis. Moreover, we also show that this critical point can be also identi ed through a di erent behaviour of the ground-state solutions of the Bethe ansatz equations.

Modelos exatamente solúveis para gases de férmions e bósons ultrafrios são estudados via o método do ansatz de Bethe termodinâmico. Resultados analíticos e numéricos são obtidos para o gás de Fermi de duas componentes com população de férmions não balanceada no regime atrativo em uma dimensão. Para o modelo de três componentes, soluções numéricas das equações do ansatz de Bethe termodinâmico confirmam que as expressões analíticas para os campos críticos e os diagramas de fases são muito precisas no regime de acoplamente forte. Para o regime de acoplamento fraco, derivamos as expressões analíticas para os campos críticos e os diagramas de fases e encontramos uma concordância muito boa entre os resultados analíticos e numéricos. Também verificamos que a fase triônica ´e suprimida para o regime de acoplamento fraco. Através de um estudo numérico obtivemos os diagramas de fase em regimes intermediários, e mostramos que a transição entre os regimes forte e fraco ocorre de forma suave ao variar o parâmetro de acoplamento. Apresentamos também um estudo detalhado para o gás de bósons com três componentes, obtendo expressões analíticas para quantidades físicas como densidade de partículas, compressibilidade e magnetização. A criticalidade quântica do modelo também foi investigada. / Exactly solvable models of ultracold Fermi and Bose gases are examined via the thermodynamic Bethe Ansatz method. Analytical and numerical results are obtained for the two-component one-dimensional attractive Fermi gas with population imbalance. For the three-component model, numerical solution of the thermodynamic Bethe ansatz equations confirm that the analytical expressions for the critical fields and the resulting phase diagrams at zero temperature are highly accurate in the strong coupling regime. For the weak coupling regime we derive the analytical expressions for the critical fields and the phase diagrams. Interestingly, in the weak regime the trionic phase is supressed. By means of a numerical study we obtain the phase diagrams at intermediate coupling regimes, showing that the crossover from strong to weak regimes occurs smoothly by varying the coupling parameter. We also present a detailed study of the three component Bose gas and obtain analytical expressions for physical quantities, such as the density of particles, compressibility and magnetisation. The quantum criticality of the model is also investigated.

Made available in DSpace on 2015-09-17T15:25:12Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2015-02-20. Added 1 bitstream(s) on 2015-09-17T15:49:08Z : No. of bitstreams: 1 000846817.pdf: 2163733 bytes, checksum: ff2516a4b76821b3ebeb84675776dd6d (MD5) / Nesta tese lidamos com a equação de Schroedinger não linear com coeficientes modulados em diferentes contextos. Esta equação diferencial não linear é amplamente usada para descrever a propagação de pulsos de luz através de uma fibra óptica ou para modelar a dinâmica de um condensado de Bose-Einstein. Primeiro, aplicamos as transformações canônicas de ponto para resolver algumas classes de equação de Schroedinger não linear com coeficientes modulados ou seja, aqueles que possuem não linearidades cúbica e quântica (dependentes do espaço e tempo) específicas. O método aplicado aqui nos permite encontrar soluções tipo sólitons localizados (no espaço) para a equação de Schroedinger não linear com coeficientes modulados, que não foram apresentados antes. No contexto de condensados de Bose-Einstein, nós generalizamos o potencial externo o qual armadilha o sistema, e os termos de não linearidade da equação diferencial. Em seguida, aplicamos as transformações canônicas de ponto para resolver algumas classes de duas equações de Schroedinger não lineares acopladas com coeficientes modula-dos isto é, não linearidades cúbica e quântica - dependentes do espaço e tempo - específicas. O método aplicado aqui nos permite encontrar uma classe de soluções de sólitons tipo vetoriais localizados (no espaço) das duas equações de Schroedinger não linear acopladas. Os sólitons vetoriais encontrados aqui podem ser aplicados a estudos teóricos de condensados de Bose-Einstein de átomos com dois estados internos diferentes ou á propagação de pulsos de luz através de fibras ópticas focalizadoras ou desfocalizadoras. Finalmente, usando transformações canônicas de ponto obtemos soluções exatas localizadas (no espaço) da equação de Schroedinger não linear com não linearidades cúbica e quântica moduladas no espaço e tempo ...(Resumo completo, clicar acesso eletrônico abaixo) / In this thesis we deal with the nonlinear Schrödinger equation with modulated coefficients in different contexts. This nonlinear differential equation is widely used to describe light pulses propagating through an optical fiber or to model the dynamics of a Bose-Einstein condensate. First, we apply point canonical transformations to solve some classes of nonlinear Schrödinger equation with modulated coefficients namely, those which possess specific cubic and quantic (time- and space-dependent) nonlinearities. The method applied here allows us to find wide localized (in space) soliton solutions to the nonlinear Schrödinger equation, which were not presented before. In the context of Bose-Einstein condensates, we also generalize the external potential which traps the system and the nonlinearities terms. Then, we apply point canonical transformations to solve some classes of two coupled nonlinear Schrödinger equations with modulated coefficients namely, specific cubic and quantic - time and space dependent - nonlinearities. The method applied here allows us to find a class of wide localized (in space) vector soliton solutions of two coupled nonlinear Schrödinger equations. The vector solitons found here can be applied to theoretical studies of Bose-condensed atoms in two different internal states and of ultrashort pulse propagation in optical fibers with focusing and defocusing nonlinearities. Finally, we use point canonical transformations to obtain localized (in space) exact solutions of the nonlinear Schrödinger equation with cubic and quantic space and time modulated nonlinearities and in the presence of time-dependent and inhomogeneous external potentials and amplification or absorption (source or drain) term. We obtain a class of wide localized exact solutions of nonlinear Schrödinger equation in the presence of a number of non-Hermitian ... (Complete abstract click electronic access below)

Neste trabalho nós investigamos o modelo de Bose-Hubbard de dois sítios atrativo sob o ponto de vista do ansatz de Bethe. Este modelo descreve o tunelamento Josephson entre dois condensados de Bose-Einstein. Nós iniciamos estabelecendo a integrabilidade do modelo através da álgebra de Yang-Baxter. Usando uma análise clássica nós obtemos o diagrama de parâmetros do sistema. Nós estudamos então as transições de fase quânticas do modelo usando os conceitos de gap de energia, emaranhamento e fidelidade. Nós encontramos que o ponto crítico obtido utilizando estes conceitos coincide com o ponto fixo de bifurcação obtido na análise clássica. Além disso, nós mostramos que este ponto crítico também pode ser identificado através de uma mudança no comportamento das soluções das equações do ansatz de Bethe do modelo para o estado fundamental. / In this work we investigate the attractive two-site Bose Hubbard model from a Bethe ansatz perspective. This model describes Josephson tunneling between two Bose-Einstein condensates. We begin by establishing the integrability of the model through the Yang- Baxter algebra. Using a classical analysis we obtain the phase space xed points of the system. Then we study the quantum phase transitions of the model using the concepts of energy gap, entanglement entropy and the delity. We nd that the critical point obtained using these concepts coincides with the bifurcation point obtained in the classical analysis. Moreover, we also show that this critical point can be also identi ed through a di erent behaviour of the ground-state solutions of the Bethe ansatz equations.