Jetlike tunneling from a trapped vortex

Abstract

We analyze tunneling from vortex states in elliptically shaped traps. Using the hydrodynamic representation of the Gross-Pitaevskii (nonlinear Schrödinger) equation, we derive analytically and demonstrate numerically an interesting type of quantum fluid flow: a jetlike singularity formed by the interaction between the vortex and the asymmetric trap. For strongly elongated traps and high enough vorticity, the ellipticity overwhelms the circular rotation, resulting in the ejection of jets in narrow, well-defined directions. These jets are formed due to a convergence of trajectories starting from the top of the potential barrier and meeting at a certain point on the exit line. Under proper conditions they will appear in any coherent wave system with angular momentum and noncircular symmetry, such as superfluids, Bose-Einstein condensates, and light.