Düsseldorf 2007 – scientific programme

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A: Fachverband Atomphysik

A 14: Poster I - Ultra-cold atoms, ions and BEC

A 14.4: Poster

Tuesday, March 20, 2007, 16:30–18:30, Poster B

Thomas-Fermi approximation for a BEC in an optical dipole trap — •Walter Strunz and Lena Simon — Physikalisches Institut, Universität Freiburg, Hermann-Herder-Str. 3, 79104 Freiburg

Motivated by an experiment in the Helm group at the University of Freiburg, we study a Bose-Einstein condensate in an optical dipole trap. On the basis of the Thomas-Fermi theory we obtain analytical expressions valid beyond the usual harmonic approximation. We determine relevant condensate properties and compare with the exact solution of the Gross-Pitaevskii equation. Finally we focus on the release dynamics as studied in the experiment.