Quantum Fluids with Finite Range Interactions

This University of Otago led project will theoretically explore the quantum non-equilibrium dynamics of ultracold atoms with long-range interactions. Interactions between ultra-cold atoms can be long-ranged either by choosing atoms with a large intrinsic dipole moment, or by exciting highly dipolar Rydberg states. Dipolar interactions are challenging to model theoretically, and an alternate strategy focuses on so called "soft-core'' interactions which exhibit much of the same phenomenology and may also be created through careful laser coupling of ground and Rydberg states. Soft core interacting systems exhibit supersolidity, a clustering phase transition, and quantum vortices, yet finite temperature effects remain largely unexplored while being of fundamental importance for understanding experiments. This project will explore the theory of soft-core systems, with specific aims to understand the role of soft-core length scale in thermalization, and to study vortex and Josephson dynamics in soft core systems. This project also has potential links to flagship project O1 "Precursors of new quantum phases of matter in systems of few dysprosium atoms'' in the One Beacon.