Leggett-Rice Systems in Harmonic Traps

Abstract

We present two results concerning the spin (or pseudo spin) dynamics of trapped quantum gases in the hydrodynamic regime described by the Leggett equations. First, we apply perturbation theory to extend the ``bounded diffusion'' description to trapped systems for small field inhomogeneities. Second, we study the formation of long-lived domains with a numerical stability analysis of the lowest-lying longitudinal diffusive modes. We also use computer simulations of pi-pulse experiments to determine the range of experimental parameters where the formation of domains can be observed.