Quantum superchemistry: dynamical quantum effects in coupled atomic and molecular Bose-Einstein condensates

We show that in certain parameter regimes there is a macroscopic dynamical breakdown of the Gross-Pitaevskii equation. Stochastic field equations for coupled atomic and molecular condensates are derived using the functional positive- P representation. These equations describe the full quantum state of the coupled condensates and include the commonly used Gross-Pitaevskii equation as the noiseless limit. The full quantum theory includes the spontaneous processes which will become significant when the atomic population is low. The experimental signature of the quantum effects will be the time scale of the revival of the atomic population after a near total conversion to the molecular condensate.