Eur. Phys. J. D 55, 659-668 (2009)
https://doi.org/10.1140/epjd/e2009-00265-7

Nonlinear quantum dynamics of two BEC modes dispersively coupled by an optical cavity

¹ Research Institute for Solid State Physics and Optics, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, P.O. Box 49, 1525 Budapest, Hungary
² Institut für theoretische Physik, Universität Innsbruck, Technikerstr. 25, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria

Corresponding author: ^a nagyd@optics.szfki.kfki.hu

Received: 3 September 2009
Revised: 5 October 2009
Published online: 6 November 2009

Abstract

We derive a quantum master equation for a single mode excitation of a Bose-Einstein condensate by a high-finesse optical cavity. This system is formally analogous to a broad class of opto-mechanical systems comprising vibrating mirrors and resonator modes coupled by radiation pressure. The presented equation accounts for the dissipative part of the dynamics due to the coupling of a driven, lossy optical mode of a resonator. This allows for exploring the quantum limit of opto-mechanical systems in the presence of dissipation in a classically bistable regime. We find that the measurement-induced back-action noise impedes the observation of quantum tunneling and leads to a non-exponential dephasing of coherent matter wave oscillations.