Local-field effect in atom optics of two-component Bose-Einstein condensates

Abstract

Starting from the first principles of nonrelativistic QED we have developed the quantum theory of the interaction of a two-component ultracold atomic ensemble with the electromagnetic field of vacuum and laser photons. The main attention has been paid to the consistent consideration of dynamical dipole-dipole interactions in the radiation field. Taking into account local-field effects we have derived the system of Maxwell-Bloch equations. Optical properties of the two-component Bose gas are investigated. It is shown that the refractive index of the gas is given by the Maxwell-Garnett formula. All equations which are used up to now for the description of the behavior of an ultracold atomic ensemble in a radiation field can be obtained from our general system of equations in the low-density limit. Raman-Nath diffraction of the two-component atomic beam is investigated on the basis of our general system of equations.