Mode-locked matter waves in Bose–Einstein condensates

A new method is proposed for the spontaneous generation of mode-locked, atomic bright matter waves. The nonlinear mode-coupling dynamics induced by a three-well, cigar shaped potential, generates the intensity discrimination (saturable absorption) necessary to begin the pulse shaping necessary for mode-locking. When combined with proven BEC gain technologies and output coupling, the three critical physical components are shown to allow for the generation of a soliton-like bright matter wave from an incoherent (white-noise) initial state. The mode-locked bright matter wave can be generated in both attractive and repulsive condensates. Further, when a Feshbach resonance is used to periodically and rapidly alternate the condensate between attractive and repulsive states, parabolic similarity solutions can be created.