Dynamics of Bose-Einstein condensates in optical lattices

TLDR

Matter waves in periodic potentials, such as optical lattices, exhibit solid‑state‑like behavior while also displaying nonlinear effects due to atom‑atom interactions and experimental tunability. The review aims to introduce the physics of ultracold bosonic atoms in optical lattices. It surveys theoretical and experimental advances to date.

Abstract

Matter waves inside periodic potentials are well known from solid-state physics, where electrons interacting with a crystal lattice are considered. Atomic Bose-Einstein condensates inside light-induced periodic potentials (optical lattices) share many features with electrons in solids, but also with light waves in nonlinear materials and other nonlinear systems. Generally, atom-atom interactions in Bose-Einstein condensates lead to rich and interesting nonlinear effects. Furthermore, the experimental control over the parameters of the periodic potential and the condensate make it possible to enter regimes inaccessible in other systems. In this review, an introduction to the physics of ultracold bosonic atoms in optical lattices is given and an overview of the theoretical and experimental advances to date.