Can Two Atoms in a Bose-Einstein Condensate Occupy the Same Space?

[Davephaelon]

Is it possible for two atoms in a Bose-Einstein condensate to literally occupy the same space?

 

[Davephaelon]

I believe I found the answer at the webpage below. As the temp cools, the wavefunctions of the individual atoms expand and overlap. So it looks like the Bosonic atoms (for example Rubidium 87) themselves don't actually occupy the same place, just their wavefunctions overlap.

http://physics.stackexchange.com/questions/22049/what-happens-to-those-electrons-of-bec-cold-atoms

 

[mfb]

So it looks like the Bosonic atoms (for example Rubidium 87) themselves don't actually occupy the same place, just their wavefunctions overlap.

Where is the difference? What would you consider as "actually occupy the same place"?

 

[DrDu]

Is it possible for two atoms in a Bose-Einstein condensate to literally occupy the same space?

Usually, you assume a hard core repulsion, so even in a BEC, there are no two atoms in the same place.