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 advantage of allowing direct and convenient observation of the wave dynamics. Our numerical study shows that this advantage not only allows people to explore the rich dynamical structures in the density distribution but also makes 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 the electronic quantum corrals.