We consider the formation of order in a quasi-two-dimensional antiferromagnetic spin-1 condensate quenched from an easy-axis to an easy-plane nematic phase. We define the relevant order parameter to quantify the spin-nematic degrees of freedom and study the evolution of the spin-nematic and superfluid order during the coarsening dynamics using numerical simulations. We observe dynamical scaling in the late-time dynamics, with both types of order extending across the system with a diffusive growth law. We identify half-quantum vortices as the relevant topological defects of the ordering dynamics and demonstrate that the growth of both types of order is determined by the mutual annihilation of these vortices.

• Received 4 April 2017

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevA.96.013602