Nonequilibrium quantum dynamics of atomic dark solitons

Abstract

We study quantum dynamics of bosonic atoms that are excited to form a phase kink, or several kinks, by an imprinting potential in a one-dimensional trap. We calculate dissipation due to quantum and thermal fluctuations in soliton trajectories, collisions and the core structure. Single-shot runs show weak filling of a soliton core, typically deeper solitons in the case of stronger fluctuations and spreading/disappearing solitons due to collisions. We also analyze a soliton system in an optical lattice that shows especially strong fluctuation-induced phenomena.