Abstract

In this paper we present a quantum and semiclassical analysis of the dynamics of three coupled atomic Bose-Einstein condensates. The quantum description is most conveniently analyzed in terms of the operator algebra of SU(3). The space of pure states corresponds to a real manifold of five dimensions corresponding to the parameters of the coset SU(3)/U(2).¹ This is the higher dimensional analogue of the Bloch sphere which has been used to describe the dynamics of two coupled BECs.² The equations of motion in the Heisenberg picture can be mapped onto equations in this real manifold. The semiclassical description also involves five real parameters, and corresponds to the mean values of the Heisenberg equations with a factorisation assumption for higher order moments. The symmetries of the problem may be used to construct the ground states of the quantum system for both positive and negative scattering lengths. The structure of the ground states change as the elastic scattering strength changes with respect to the linear tunnelling coupling between the condensate components.

© 1999 Optical Society of America