Modeling Quantum Spin Dynamics in an Ultracold Gas

A recent experiment in our lab focuses on investigating spin dynamics in the quantum regime, where mean field approaches fail. Previous theoretical models for the quantum dynamical evolution of a spin-1 Bose-Einstein condensate do not include the effects of atomic loss that is unavoidable in experiment. Here, we present results of different loss models including a fully quantum calculation of this complicated many body system using a Monte-Carlo approach. We compare the results of these methods to recent experimental measurements and obtain good agreement.