Abstract. We explore the dielectric properties of spinor condensates. Gases with vector (nematic) order, such as spin-1 condensates with ferromagnetic (antiferromagnetic) interactions, display optical activity (birefringence). This optical activity/birefringence is respectively seen for light detuned from resonance by a frequency which is not too large compared with the fine/hyperfine structure. Careful tuning of the light frequency can isolate either of these two effects. These features can be used to image spin textures in clouds of spin-1 bosons, and to discern states showing different types of spin order.

Print publication: Issue 7 (14 April 2004)
Received 30 October 2003
Published 24 March 2004