Resonant amplification of quantum fluctuations with a spinor gas

Bose-Einstein condensates of atoms with non-zero spin makes up an ideal system for the study of macroscopic amplification of quantum and classical fluctuations. This study shows that the efficiency of pair creation is influenced by the interplay between the external trapping potential and the Zeeman effect. This reflects the confinement-induced magnetic-field dependence of elementary spin excitations of the trapped condensate. Pair production at these resonances serves as a strong parametric mater-wave amplifier. Results show that pair creation at resonance is triggered by quantum fluctuations. Therefore, in the vacuum state, this system acts as a matter-wave amplifier.