On the issue of zero point energy in Bose–Einstein condensates

• Published in: Physics letters. A Vol. 383; no. 7; pp. 589 - 592
• Main Author: Deeney, F.A.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier B.V 04.02.2019
• Subjects: Bose–Einstein condensation; Chemical potential; Two-fluid model; Zero-point energy; Zero-point energy; Chemical potential; Bose–Einstein condensation; Two-fluid model
• ISSN: 0375-9601; 1873-2429
• DOI: 10.1016/j.physleta.2019.01.006

Following on our earlier work in this area, here we examine in some detail the physical mechanism involved in the Bose–Einstein condensation process. In particular we emphasise the significance of the zero value of the chemical potential at and below the critical temperature. The molar zero-point energy (ZPE) for an ideal gas of He4 atoms in our new analysis is estimated and found to be very close to that calculated for an ideal Fermi gas of He3 atoms under the same conditions. This gives numerical support to our theory. We also show how the theory is consistent with the presence of a density maximum in liquid He4. •Study of the role of the chemical potential in Bose–Einstein condensation.•Formation of a condensate in the single particle energy state at the transition point.•Calculation of the value of the zero point energy of a mole of He4 atoms.•Similarity of this value to that of the zero point energy of a mole of He3 atoms.•Consistency of the new theory with the two-fluid model for liquid He-II.