Antiferromagnetic spinor condensates are quantum rotors

We establish a theoretical correspondence between spin-one antiferromagnetic spinor condensates in an external magnetic field and quantum rotor models in an external potential. We show that the rotor model provides a conceptually clear picture of the possible phases and dynamical regimes of the antiferromagnetic condensate. We also show that this mapping simplifies calculations of the condensate's spectrum and wave functions. We use the rotor mapping to describe the different dynamical regimes recently observed in 23Na condensates [Phys. Rev. Lett. 102, 125301 (2009); Phys. Rev. Lett. 102, 225301 (2009)]. We also suggest a way to experimentally observe quantum-mechanical effects (collapse and revival) in spinor condensates.