Abstract

We numerically investigate a condensate of ⁸⁷Rb atoms in an F=1 hyperfine state confined in an optical dipole trap. Assuming the magnetic moments of all atoms are initially aligned along the magnetic field we observe, after the field's direction is reversed, a transfer of atoms to other Zeeman states. Such transfer is allowed by the dipolar interaction. The atoms in m_F=0, −1 start to circulate around the center of the trap. We find resonances which amplify this phenomenon making it observable even in rubidium condensates.

© 2007 Optical Society of America