The images show quantum vortices in a rotating condensate of sodium
atoms. A condensate 60 micrometer in diameter and 250 micrometer in
length was set in rotation by rotating laser beams. It then formed a
regular lattice of vortices. The condensate was then allowed to ballistically
expand which resulted in a twenty times magnification. The images represent
two-dimensional cuts through the density distribution and show the density
minima due to the vortex cores. The examples shown contain 0, 16, 70
and 130 vortices. The diameter of the cloud was about 1 mm.)
Figure courtesy of Todd Gustavson at MIT
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