Bose-Einstein condensate diagram

In summary, the conversation discusses diagrams found on the internet and their meaning, specifically in relation to Bose-Einstein condensation. The diagrams show particle velocities, with color representing density and height representing the same thing. As the temperature decreases, more particles occupy the same quantum ground state, resulting in a clearer picture of the velocity distribution. The conversation also mentions a reference to an article on the observation of Bose-Einstein condensation in a dilute atomic vapor.
  • #1
Jufa
101
15
TL;DR Summary
Struggling with Bose-Einstein condensates diagram.
I have seen many of these diagrams in internet and I fail to figure out what their actual meaning is. Can someone explain what the axes and different colours mean? Also, which is the physical interpretation that can be extracted from them? Thanks in advance :).
miguel_bose.png
 
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  • #2
Jufa said:
many of these diagrams
You could add a reference !

You know what BE condensation means ?

Picture shows particle velocities. Color is density: number of particles with vx, vy in a cell. When it gets colder number of particles with vx=vy=0 increases: they all tend occupy the same QM ground state
 
  • #3
The original data looks like
bec1_fig2.jpg

Observation of Bose-Einstein Condensation in a Dilute Atomic Vapor
M. H. Anderson, J. R. Ensher, M. R. Matthews, C. E. Wieman, E. A. Cornell
Science, v. 269, no. 5221 (1995), p. 198-201

These are false color images of the velocity distribution of the atoms in the clouds. The image you posted is the same data, but with an added height that is the same as the color map (in other words, color and height represent the same thing, namely the density of atoms with a given velocity).
 
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  • #4
Note that because Bose-Einstein in achieved here in a trap, the condensation happens not only in momentum space, but also in ordinary space. This is why the figure in the OP cheats a bit by presenting a spatial scale for what should be only velocities.
 
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  • #5
BvU said:
You could add a reference !

You know what BE condensation means ?

Picture shows particle velocities. Color is density: number of particles with vx, vy in a cell. When it gets colder number of particles with vx=vy=0 increases: they all tend occupy the same QM ground state
If colour stands for the density, what is the height?
 
  • #6
color = height
 
  • #7
Jufa said:
If colour stands for the density, what is the height?
DrClaude said:
(in other words, color and height represent the same thing, namely the density of atoms with a given velocity).
 
  • #8
Perfect, thanks! I do fully understand the diagram now.
 

Related to Bose-Einstein condensate diagram

1. What is a Bose-Einstein condensate diagram?

A Bose-Einstein condensate diagram is a graph that shows the behavior of a group of particles at extremely low temperatures, where they begin to behave as a single entity rather than individual particles.

2. How is a Bose-Einstein condensate diagram created?

A Bose-Einstein condensate diagram is created by plotting the temperature of a system against the number of particles in the system, while keeping other variables constant. This allows for the identification of the critical temperature at which the Bose-Einstein condensate forms.

3. What is the significance of the critical temperature in a Bose-Einstein condensate diagram?

The critical temperature in a Bose-Einstein condensate diagram marks the point at which a group of particles transitions from a normal state to a Bose-Einstein condensate state. This is a key concept in understanding the behavior of matter at extremely low temperatures.

4. What are the applications of a Bose-Einstein condensate diagram?

A Bose-Einstein condensate diagram has many applications in the field of physics, including the study of superfluidity, quantum computing, and the behavior of matter at extremely low temperatures. It also has potential applications in technology, such as creating more efficient sensors and lasers.

5. How does a Bose-Einstein condensate diagram relate to Bose-Einstein statistics?

Bose-Einstein statistics is a fundamental principle in quantum mechanics that describes the behavior of particles with integer spin, such as photons and atoms. A Bose-Einstein condensate diagram illustrates the behavior of particles described by Bose-Einstein statistics at extremely low temperatures, providing a visual representation of this fundamental principle.

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