Optically tuned soliton dynamics in Bose-Einstein condensates within dark traps

Abstract

This study investigates the formation and dynamics of solitons in Bose-Einstein condensates (BECs) within dark traps generated by two crossed Laguerre-Gaussian (LG) beams with varying azimuthal indices $\ell$. As the index $\ell$ increases, the potential transitions from a harmonic trap when $\ell = 1$ a square-well potential for larger values of $\ell$. This transition allows us to study a range of soliton dynamics under different confinement conditions while maintaining the same BEC volume.
Through the derivation of the Gross-Pitaevskii equation (GPE) and under these specific conditions in both one-dimensional (1D) and two-dimensional (2D) configurations, we explore the dynamics of solitons across multiple scenarios. The study examines two primary methods for solitons generation: the temporal modulation of the scattering length and the implementation of an initial potential barrier that is subsequently removed. The results indicate that the trap shape plays a critical role in the generation and interaction dynamics of solitons. In harmonic traps, solitons exhibit a behavior different from those observed in anharmonic traps, where the dynamics is significantly influenced by the azimuthal index of the trap. The ability to control soliton dynamics in BECs holds significant promise for applications in quantum technologies, precision sensing, and the exploration of fundamental quantum phenomena.