March 28, 2024 | Eva Casotti, Elena Poli, Lauritz Klaus, Andrea Litvinov, Clemens Ulm, Claudia Politi, Manfred J. Mark, Thomas Bland, Francesca Ferlaino
This study reports the experimental observation of quantized vortices in a dipolar supersolid, a state of matter that exhibits both superfluid and solid properties. The research team used magnetostirring, a technique that involves rotating the magnetic field vector, to induce vortex formation in a dipolar supersolid composed of dysprosium (Dy) atoms. The supersolid was prepared in an optical dipole trap and cooled to ultracold temperatures. The team observed that the supersolid exhibits distinct vortex behavior compared to a conventional Bose-Einstein condensate (BEC), with vortices forming at lower rotation frequencies and showing a monotonic increase in number with higher rotation speeds. The study also revealed that the supersolid's unique combination of superfluid and solid properties leads to a complex response to rotation, with the presence of quantized vortices serving as a clear indicator of superfluidity. The results demonstrate that the supersolid can maintain its structure and coherence under continuous stirring, and that vortices can manifest and behave in this unique state. The findings have implications for understanding the hydrodynamic properties of exotic quantum systems with multiple spontaneously broken symmetries, including quantum crystals and neutron stars. The study provides new insights into the behavior of supersolids and their potential applications in various fields of physics.This study reports the experimental observation of quantized vortices in a dipolar supersolid, a state of matter that exhibits both superfluid and solid properties. The research team used magnetostirring, a technique that involves rotating the magnetic field vector, to induce vortex formation in a dipolar supersolid composed of dysprosium (Dy) atoms. The supersolid was prepared in an optical dipole trap and cooled to ultracold temperatures. The team observed that the supersolid exhibits distinct vortex behavior compared to a conventional Bose-Einstein condensate (BEC), with vortices forming at lower rotation frequencies and showing a monotonic increase in number with higher rotation speeds. The study also revealed that the supersolid's unique combination of superfluid and solid properties leads to a complex response to rotation, with the presence of quantized vortices serving as a clear indicator of superfluidity. The results demonstrate that the supersolid can maintain its structure and coherence under continuous stirring, and that vortices can manifest and behave in this unique state. The findings have implications for understanding the hydrodynamic properties of exotic quantum systems with multiple spontaneously broken symmetries, including quantum crystals and neutron stars. The study provides new insights into the behavior of supersolids and their potential applications in various fields of physics.