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What happens when a Bose–Einstein condensate becomes turbulent?

Physics World·Paul Mabey·about 2 months ago
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The concept of turbulence is one of physics’ most persistent challenges, defying a simple description despite decades of research. Adding quantum mechanics into the mix only makes things more complicated. BECs are formed when atoms are cooled down to close to absolute zero. In this state they behave as a single coherent quantum fluid. They enable the observation of quantum behaviour on a macroscopic scale, enabling breakthroughs in fundamental physics and ultra‑precise technologies. Waves can form within a BEC when it’s disturbed, just like in any other fluid. These can travel through the material, interacting, cascading and ultimately forming turbulent patterns. When the turbulence is weak, and the chaotic interactions are small, perturbative wave‑interaction theories work well. A complete, simple theory of strong turbulence, however, remains elusive. Nonlinearities dominate and approximations break down.…

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