We consider decay of a quasiparticle in a nearly-one-dimensional quasicondensate of trapped atoms, where virtual excitations of transverse modes break down one-dimensionality and integrability, giving rise to effective three-body elastic collisions. We calculate the matrix element for the process that involves one incoming quasiparticle and three outgoing quasiparticles. Scattering that involves low-frequency modes with high thermal population results in a diffusive dynamics of a bunch of quasiparticles created in the system.

• Received 18 February 2011

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevA.83.043625