We propose and analyze a scheme to create dark solitons and vortices in Bose-Einstein condensates. This is achieved starting from a condensate in the internal state $|a〉$ and transferring the atoms to the internal state $|b〉$ via a Raman transition induced by laser light. By scanning adiabatically the Raman detuning, dark solitons and vortices are created.

• Received 22 October 1997

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.80.2972