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Multi-component BEC’s

Atomic quantum degenerate gases, such as Bose-Einstein condensates, provide model systems for studying phenomena such as superfluidity and superconductivity, as well as investigations into condensed matter and the fundamental topics of coherence and information. Multi-component BEC's with internal spin degrees of freedom described by a vector order parameter, known as spinor condensates, are a further development in this field. The delicate interplay of the different, coupled magnetic quantum gases yields a rich variety of phenomena, including Josephson oscillations and spin domain formation. Here I will introduce the topic of multi-component BECs and will present experimental measurements of the coherence of hyperfine levels of spinor condensates. I will show how spinor condensates are an adaptable system for the study of magnetic interactions, and provide avenues for macroscopic entanglements. I will also briefly discuss some recent results from our cavity QED experiments and the development of a single trapped ion experiment.