Jet-like tunneling from a trapped vortex

Abstract

We analyze the tunneling of vortex states from elliptically shaped traps. Using the hydrodynamic representation of the Gross-Pitaevskii (Nonlinear Schrödinger) equation, we derive analytically and demonstrate numerically a novel type of quantum fluid flow: a jet-like singularity formed by the interaction between the vortex and the nonhomogenous field. For strongly elongated traps, the ellipticity overwhelms the circular rotation, resulting in the ejection of field in narrow, well-defined directions. These jets can also be understood as a formation of caustics since they correspond to a convergence of trajectories starting from the top of the potential barrier and meeting at a certain point on the exit line. They will appear in any coherent wave system with angular momentum and non-circular symmetry, such as superfluids, Bose-Einstein condensates, and light.

4 pages, 4 figures

References in corpus (4)

• On Dispersive and Classical Shock Waves in Bose-Einstein Condensates and Gas Dynamics
• Anyonic Braiding in Optical Lattices
• Generation of dispersive shock waves by the flow of a Bose-Einstein condensate past a narrow obstacle
• Temporal dynamics of tunneling. Hydrodynamic approach

Cited by in corpus (3)

• Propagation of a quantum fluid of light in a cavityless nonlinear optical medium: General theory and response to quantum quenches
• Prethermalization in a quenched one-dimensional quantum fluid of light: Intrinsic limits to the coherent propagation of a light beam in a nonlinear optical fiber
• Paraxial fluids of light