Generation of supersolids through barrier sweeps in a droplet lattice
Location
Havener Center, Carver/Turner Room, 1:30pm-3:30pm
Start Date
4-1-2026 1:30 PM
End Date
4-1-2026 2:00 PM
Presentation Date
April 1, 2026; 1:30pm-2:00pm
Description
We explore the dynamical formation of supersolid states in dipolar quantum gases by considering sweeps of a repulsive Gaussian barrier through quasi‑one‑dimensional droplet lattices. Relying on the suitable extended Gross-Pitaevskii framework incorporating quantum corrections, we discuss the impact of the sweep velocity on the build-up of phase coherence across the lattice due to collisions of the involved droplets. Monitoring the ensuing density dynamics, momentum distribution, and superfluid fraction reveals the generation of supersolidity. This is associated with the rise of a finite superfluid background atop which crystals oscillate and a momentum transfer toward zero modes. These results pave the way for engineering supersolid formation using experimentally accessible protocols.
Biography
Elijah Brakensiek is a junior majoring in physics, and minoring in computer science and mathematics. He plans to pursue a PhD in computational many-body physics to explore quantum science and technology applications. He is currently working with Dr. Simeon Mistakidis and his group, a research path that started with the FYRE program and continued with his first OURE program. Elijah is utilizing ultracold atomic systems to engineer and control the dynamical generation of exotic phases-of-matter that are experimentally accessible in modern quantum simulators. Beyond his research, Elijah is an active member of the Society of Physics Students (SPS), where he serves as treasurer.
Meeting Name
2026 - Miners Solving for Tomorrow Research Conference
Department(s)
Physics
Second Department
Computer Science
Document Type
Presentation
Document Version
Final Version
File Type
text
Language(s)
English
Rights
© 2026 The Authors, All rights reserved
Generation of supersolids through barrier sweeps in a droplet lattice
Havener Center, Carver/Turner Room, 1:30pm-3:30pm
We explore the dynamical formation of supersolid states in dipolar quantum gases by considering sweeps of a repulsive Gaussian barrier through quasi‑one‑dimensional droplet lattices. Relying on the suitable extended Gross-Pitaevskii framework incorporating quantum corrections, we discuss the impact of the sweep velocity on the build-up of phase coherence across the lattice due to collisions of the involved droplets. Monitoring the ensuing density dynamics, momentum distribution, and superfluid fraction reveals the generation of supersolidity. This is associated with the rise of a finite superfluid background atop which crystals oscillate and a momentum transfer toward zero modes. These results pave the way for engineering supersolid formation using experimentally accessible protocols.
Comments
Advisor: Simeon Mistakidis, smystakidis@mst.edu