Observation of Quantum Droplets in a Strongly Dipolar Bose Gas.
Quantum fluctuations are the origin of genuine quantum many-body effects, and can be neglected in classical mean-field phenomena. Here, we report on the observation of stable quantum droplets containing ∼800 atoms that are expected to collapse at the mean-field level due to the essentially attractive interaction. By systematic measurements on individual droplets we demonstrate quantitatively that quantum fluctuations mechanically stabilize them against the mean-field collapse. We observe in addition the interference of several droplets indicating that this stable many-body state is phase coherent.
5. Physikalisches Institut and Center for Integrated Quantum Science and Technology, Universität Stuttgart, Pfaffenwaldring 57, 70550 Stuttgart, Germany.
Igor
I
Ferrier-Barbut
5. Physikalisches Institut and Center for Integrated Quantum Science and Technology, Universität Stuttgart, Pfaffenwaldring 57, 70550 Stuttgart, Germany.
Holger
H
Kadau
5. Physikalisches Institut and Center for Integrated Quantum Science and Technology, Universität Stuttgart, Pfaffenwaldring 57, 70550 Stuttgart, Germany.
Matthias
M
Schmitt
5. Physikalisches Institut and Center for Integrated Quantum Science and Technology, Universität Stuttgart, Pfaffenwaldring 57, 70550 Stuttgart, Germany.
Matthias
M
Wenzel
5. Physikalisches Institut and Center for Integrated Quantum Science and Technology, Universität Stuttgart, Pfaffenwaldring 57, 70550 Stuttgart, Germany.
Tilman
T
Pfau