We analyze thoroughly the mean-field dynamics of a linear chain of three coupled Bose-Einstein condensates, where both the tunneling and the central-well relative depth are adjustable parameters. Owing to its nonintegrability, entailing a complex dynamics with chaos occurrence, this system is a paradigm for longer arrays whose simplicity still allows a thorough analytical study. We identify the set of dynamics fixed points, along with the associated proper modes, and establish their stability character depending on the significant parameters. As an example of the remarkable operational value of our analysis, we point out some macroscopic effects that seem viable to experiments.

• Received 1 August 2002

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.90.050404