Observation of vortex phase singularities in Bose-Einstein condensates
arXiv:cond-mat/0104444 · doi:10.1103/PhysRevLett.87.080402
Abstract
We have observed phase singularities due to vortex excitation in Bose-Einstein condensates. Vortices were created by moving a laser beam through a condensate. They were observed as dislocations in the interference fringes formed by the stirred condensate and a second unperturbed condensate. The velocity dependence for vortex excitation and the time scale for re-establishing a uniform phase across the condensate were determined.
4 pages, 5 figures