Mean-field model of jet formation in a collapsing Bose-Einstein condensate

Abstract

We perform a systematic numerical study, based on the time-dependent Gross-Pitaevskii equation, of jet formation in collapsing and exploding Bose-Einstein condensates as in the experiment by Donley et al [2001 Nature 412 295]. In the actual experiment, via a Feshbach resonance, the scattering length of atomic interaction was suddenly changed from positive to negative on a pre-formed condensate. Consequently, the condensate collapsed and ejected atoms via explosion. On a disruption of collapse by suddenly changing the scattering length to zero a radial jet of atoms was formed in the experiment. We present a satisfactory account of jet formation under the experimental conditions as well as make predictions beyond experimental conditions which can be verified in future experiments.