Bose-Einstein condensation and momentum distribution narrowing
Scientific Achievement
Bose-Einstein condensation (BEC), the massive
occupation of a single momentum state (usually k =
0), is shown to be accompanied by a narrowing of the
atomic momentum distribution, n(k), ( k > 0 states)
in strongly interacting systems such as liquid 4He.
Significance and Impact
Superfluidity and superconductivity arise from BEC.
The narrowing of n(k) associated with BEC may have
unexplored impact on superflow and superfluidity.
Research Details
–The separation of true BEC (large occupation of the k= 0 state)
from the narrowing of n(k) is made possible with the new
precision of the ARCS neutron scattering instrument at SNS.
–In the past, both BEC and the narrowing n(k) ( k > 0) were
interpreted as BEC often leading to an overestimate of BEC.
– The effect is particularly important when the condensate
fraction is small, as in liquid 4He under pressure, 24 bar. It may
affect superfluidity and superconductivity when interactions are
strong. SO Diallo, RT Azuah, DL Abernathy, R Rota, J Boronat, HR Glyde,
Physical Review B 85, 104505 (R) (2012).
Bose-Einstein condensation and narrowing of the
atomic momentum distribution, n(k): Upper,
schematic of BEC and narrowing of n(k). Lower,
condensate fraction n0 (T) and width W(T) of n(k) vs
temperature. BEC begins at T < Tc = 1.86 K at 24 bar.
Experiments performed at Oak Ridge National Laboratory