Nonlinear Atom Optics of Bose-Einstein Condensates in Optical Lattices

When a new state of matter - Bose-Einstein condensate - is trapped in a periodic potential created by light, it forms a unique, reconfigurable nano-scale system with unprecedented control over its properties. Its behaviour ranges from quantum to classical, from linear to nonlinear, and from continuous to discrete. This project aims to develop a theory for the nonlinear localization, transport, and excitation of BEC in the optical lattices. Its outcome will provide an important assessment of the feasibility of the proposed use of the BEC in optical lattices in quantum computing, information storage, precision measurements, and nanotechnology.