Spatial non-Destructive Imaging of Spin Domains in Bose-Einstein Condensates

Abstract

A simple experimental method is demonstrated to spatially and non-destructively image spin states in a BEC of sodium-23. The birefringeant properties of the spin -1 and spin 0 states of the F=1 ground are used in combination with phase-contrast imaging to create a linear combination of two images taken in quick succession. We show that in the high detuning/low density limit the created linear combination is proportional to the density of either spin -1 or spin 0 states. The technique is used to estimate the spin drag coefficient of a spin -1 and spin 0 domains moving through in FORT under the influence of a spin dependent force.