Nonlinear quantum dynamics of two BEC modes dispersively coupled by an optical cavity

We derive a quantum master equation for a single mode excitation of a Bose-Einstein condensate by a high-finesse optical cavity. This system is formally analogous to a broad class of opto-mechanical systems comprising vibrating mirrors and resonator modes coupled by radiation pressure. The presented equation accounts for the dissipative part of the dynamics due to the coupling of a driven, lossy optical mode of a resonator. This allows for exploring the quantum limit of opto-mechanical systems in the presence of dissipation in a classically bistable regime. We find that the measurement-induced back-action noise impedes the observation of quantum tunneling and leads to a non-exponential dephasing of coherent matter wave oscillations.