Atomic quantum corrals for Bose-Einstein condensates

We consider the dynamics of Bose-Einstein condensates in a corral-like potential. Compared to the electronic quantum corrals, the atomic quantum corrals have the advantages of allowing direct and convenient observation of the wave dynamics, together with adjustable interaction strength. Our numerical study shows that these advantages not only allow exploration of the rich dynamical structures in the density distribution but also make the corrals useful in many other aspects. In particular, the corrals for atoms can be arranged into a stadium shape for the experimental visualization of quantum chaos, which has been elusive with electronic quantum corrals. The density correlation is used to describe quantitatively the dynamical quantum chaos. Furthermore, we find that the interatomic interaction can greatly enhance the dynamical quantum chaos, for example, inducing a chaotic behavior even in circle-shaped corrals.