Theory of Bose-Einstein condensation in trapped gases

Abstract

The phenomenon of Bose-Einstein condensation of dilute gases in traps is\nreviewed from a theoretical perspective. Mean-field theory provides a framework\nto understand the main features of the condensation and the role of\ninteractions between particles. Various properties of these systems are\ndiscussed, including the density profiles and the energy of the ground state\nconfigurations, the collective oscillations and the dynamics of the expansion,\nthe condensate fraction and the thermodynamic functions. The thermodynamic\nlimit exhibits a scaling behavior in the relevant length and energy scales.\nDespite the dilute nature of the gases, interactions profoundly modify the\nstatic as well as the dynamic properties of the system; the predictions of\nmean-field theory are in excellent agreement with available experimental\nresults. Effects of superfluidity including the existence of quantized vortices\nand the reduction of the moment of inertia are discussed, as well as the\nconsequences of coherence such as the Josephson effect and interference\nphenomena. The review also assesses the accuracy and limitations of the\nmean-field approach.\n

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Affiliated Institutions

• Technion – Israel Institute of Technology IL
• University of Trento IT
• Istituto Nazionale per la Fisica della Materia IT

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