Flexible Light Fields for Hydrodynamics Studies in BECs

BECs are prime testbeds for studying many-body systems and probing quantum hydrodynamics. Flexible light fields are key tools for performing these experiments. In a collaboration between WSU and USD, we generate dynamic light fields including piezo mirrors, digital micromirror devices (DMD), and acousto-optical modulators (AOMs) to form moveable barriers, arbitrary potentials, or light sheets, respectively, leveraging the optical dipole force.

We explore these methods for modern hydrodynamics experiments with elongated single and multi-component BECs. Hallmark results include the realization of prototypical piston-shock experiments, dam break experiments, and the observation of localized turbulence. The application of these techniques and key results of this collaboration are discussed.