Postgraduate research opportunities Vortex Dynamics in Ultracold Quantum Mixtures

In a quantum many-body system the interactions between the constituent microscopic particles lead to emergent macroscopic phenomena. Such phenomena include superfluidity (fluid flow without viscosity) and superconductivity (conduction of electricity without resistance). Novel phases such as high-temperature superconductivity form the basis of quantum materials, where useful emergent properties can lead to new technologies. Studying the dynamics of vortices (quantum whirlpools) can give key insight into the inner workings of these systems. Superfluids formed of ultracold atoms provide an extremely clean and well-controlled system for studies of collective quantum behaviour. They enable exquisite control over interactions, geometry, and rotation (vorticity). Importantly, in superfluids formed of mixtures of ultracold atoms we can tune the interactions to emphasize quantum effects such as fluctuations.

A key aim of this research project is to explore regimes where the behaviour of the superfluid depends on its inherent quantum nature. This will drive our fundamental understanding of superfluidity as a collective quantum phenomenon. You will work closely with the supervisor to develop a state-of-the-art experimental apparatus to explore vortex dynamics in binary superfluids. There will be a particular emphasis on reduced dimensionality (e.g., quasi-2D disc, or quasi-1D ring geometries) where quantum fluctuations are enhanced.

You will also acquire practical skills in the areas of quantum technologies, optics and atomic physics. These skills include working with lasers, designing optical systems, high-resolution imaging and image processing, cooling and trapping atoms, as well as electronics and mechanical design.

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References

K. E. Wilson et al., Generation of high winding-number superfluid circulation in Bose-Einstein condensates arXiv:2109.12945 (2021).

E. C. Samson et al., Deterministic creation, pinning, and manipulation of quantized vortices in a Bose-Einstein condensate, Physical Review A 93, 023603 (2016).

C. R. Cabrera et al., Quantum liquid droplets in a mixture of Bose-Einstein condensates, Science 359, 301 (2017).