Loss of superfluidity in a Bose-Einstein condensate via forced resonant oscillations

Abstract

We predict the loss of superfluidity in a Bose-Einstein condensate in an axially symmetric harmonic trap alone during resonant collective oscillations via a classical dynamical transition. The forced resonant oscillation can be initiated by (a) a periodic modulation of the atomic scattering length with a frequency that equals twice the radial trapping frequency or multiples thereof, or by (b) a periodic modulation of the radial trapping potential with a frequency that equals the radial trapping frequency or multiples thereof. Suggestion for future experiment is made.

12 Latex Pages, 12 eps figures, Accepted in Physics Letters A