Observation of Vortex Lattices in Bose-Einstein Condensates

TLDR

Quantized vortices are central to superfluidity and superconductivity. We observed highly ordered vortex lattices with over 100 vortices, lifetimes of several seconds, persisting up to 40 s, across varied rotation frequencies and trap geometries, and noted dislocations and dynamics that suggest gaseous Bose–Einstein condensates are a model system for vortex matter.

Abstract

Quantized vortices play a key role in superfluidity and superconductivity. We have observed the formation of highly ordered vortex lattices in a rotating Bose-condensed gas. These triangular lattices contained over 100 vortices with lifetimes of several seconds. Individual vortices persisted up to 40 seconds. The lattices could be generated over a wide range of rotation frequencies and trap geometries, shedding light on the formation process. Our observation of dislocations, irregular structure, and dynamics indicates that gaseous Bose-Einstein condensates may be a model system for the study of vortex matter.