Management of Bose-Einstein condensates by a spatially periodic modulation of the atomic s -wave scattering length

We investigate the effect of the position-dependent s -wave scattering length (SSL) on Bose-Einstein condensate (BEC) dynamics. In particular, we study the propagation of a BEC within a finite regime where the SSL, tuned by a periodic magnetic or optical field, results in the Bragg scattering of the BEC. We have predicted a matter-wave optical limiting process and bistability, which have potential applications like a matter wave limiter, a BEC mirror or cavity, and an atomic switch. The first phenomenon is a direct result of this periodic spatial tuning, showing that the position-dependent tuning of the SSL has the potential to result in novel properties of ultracold atomic gases.