Bose-Einstein Condensation of Efimovian Triples in the Unitary Bose Gas

In an atomic Bose-Einstein condensate quenched to the unitary regime, we predict the sequential formation of a significant fraction of condensed pairs and triples. At short distances, we demonstrate the two-body and Efimovian character of the condensed pairs and triples, respectively. As the system evolves, their size becomes comparable to the interparticle distance, such that many-body effects become significant. The structure of the condensed triples depends on the size of Efimov states compared with density scales. Unexpectedly, we find universal condensed triples in the limit where these scales are well separated. Our findings provide a new framework for understanding dynamics in the unitary regime as the Bose-Einstein condensation of few-body composites.

Automated summary

In a unitary regime atomic Bose-Einstein condensate that has been rapidly cooled, we predict the sequential formation of a significant fraction of condensed pairs and triples. At short distances, the condensed pairs and triples exhibit two-body and Efimovian characteristics, respectively. As the system evolves, their size becomes comparable to the interparticle distance, leading to significant many-body effects. The structure of the condensed triples depends on the size of the Efimov states compared to density scales, and unexpectedly, we find universal condensed triples when these scales are well separated. Our findings provide a new framework for understanding dynamics in the unitary regime as the Bose-Einstein condensation of few-body composites.