Research highlights
2D supersolidity in a circular trap
In collaboration with the Ferlaino Group we have realized a 2D disk-shaped supersolid. We also theoretically investigated supersolid preparation strategies: either cooling directly into the supersolid regime or, instead, beginning with a superfluid and quenching how the particles interact. Our results indicate that the direct cooling strategy is needed to form 2D supersolids.
First 2D dipolar supersolid (in Nature!)
Part superfluid, part solid, the elusive supersolid phase was recently realized with dipolar quantum gases. Previously, such global supercurrents had only been achieved within 1D droplet arrays. However, in an experiment-theory collaboration with the Ferlaino Group, we have now realized the first 2D dipolar supersolids! In addition to exploring a linear-to-zigzag transition, we move deeper into the 2D regime by using rounder confinement geometries.
Miscibility and stability of dipolar mixtures
In collaboration with the Blakie Group we demonstrate that dipolar two-component superflulids are far richer than their nondipolar counterparts. In addition to rich phase diagrams of mixed and phase-separated regimes, we explore how dipolar mixtures may go unstable to either phonon excitations or the exotic roton modes.
Droplet molecules predicted
Dilute self-bound droplets have recently been realized in dipolar quantum gases. In a collaboration with Luis Santos and Luis Ardila we have developed theory to describe combinations of two dipolar species. Intriguingly, we predict that even if the two components repel each other – just like oil and water – they can bind together to form a droplet molecule, thanks to their long-ranged dipole-dipole attraction.