COLD TRAPPED ATOMS: A MESOSCOPIC SYSTEM
2001 ◽
Vol 15
(05)
◽
pp. 425-441
Keyword(s):
The Bose–Einstein condensates recently created in trapped atomic gases are mesocopic systems, in two senses: (a) Their size fall between macroscopic and microscopic systems; (b) They have a quantum phase that can be manipulated in experiments. We review the theoretical and experimental facts about trapped atomic gases, and give examples that emphasize their mesocopic characters. One is the dynamics of collapse of a condensate with attractive interactions. The other is the creation of a one-dimensional kink soliton that can be used as a mode-locked atom laser.