Suppression of relative flow by multiple domains in two-component Bose-Einstein condensates

Abstract

We investigate flow properties of immiscible Bose-Einstein condensates composed of two different Zeeman spin states of 87Rb. Spatially overlapping two condensates in the optical trap are prepared by application of a resonant radio frequency pulse, and then the magnetic field gradient is applied in order to produce the atomic flow. We find that the spontaneous multiple domain formation arising from the immiscible nature drastically changes the fluidity. The homogeneously overlapping condensates readily separate under the magnetic field gradient, and they form stable configuration composed of the two layers. In contrast, the relative flow between two condensates are largely suppressed in the case where the magnetic field gradient is applied after spontaneous domain formation.