Challenges
Datasets
Workspaces
Papers
Discussions
Leaderboard
Log inSign up
Challenges
Datasets
Workspaces
Papers
Discussions
Leaderboard
Blog
Job Board
Q3AS

© 2026 Aqora Quantum S.A.S.

TermsPrivacyLegal Notice

arXiv:2407.16383 · SciPost Physics

Phases and dynamics of quantum droplets in the crossover to two-dimensions

Jose Carlos Pelayo, G. Bougas, Thomás Fogarty, Thomas Busch, S. I. Mistakidis

Published Apr 17, 2025• 9 citations
arXivHTMLPDF

Abstract

We explore the ground states and dynamics of ultracold atomic droplets in the crossover region from three to two dimensions by solving the two-dimensional and the quasi two-dimensional extended Gross-Pitaevskii equations numerically and with a variational approach. By systematically comparing the droplet properties, we determine the validity regions of the pure two-dimensional description, and therefore the dominance of the logarithmic nonlinear coupling, as a function of the sign of the averaged mean-field interactions and the size of the transverse confinement. One of our main findings is that droplets become substantially extended upon transitioning from negative-to-positive averaged mean-field interactions. This is accompanied by a significant reduction of their binding energies which are approximately inversely proportional to the square of their size. To explore fundamental dynamical properties in the crossover region, we study interaction quenches and show that the droplets perform a periodic breathing motion for modest quench strengths, while larger quench amplitudes lead to continuous expansion exhibiting density ring structures. We also showcase that it is possible to form complex bulk and surface density patterns in anisotropic geometries following the quench. Since we are working with realistic parameters, our results can directly facilitate future experimental realizations.

DOI
10.21468/scipostphys.18.4.129

Related papers

Breathing mode of quantum droplets in dipolar quantum gases: A sum-rule analysis

Xinran Zhang, Junli Liu, Huiyun Xiao +2 more

We theoretically investigate the ground-state properties and breathing-mode collective excitations of three-dimensional dipolar Bose gases in anisotropic harmonic traps incorporating quantum fluctuations. Combining a Gaussian variational ansatz with a non-perturbative sum-rule analysis, we derive explicit analytical expressions for both axial and radial breathing-mode frequencies, which are validated by numerical solutions of the time-dependent extended Gross-Pitaevskii equation. Our theoretical predictions show excellent agreement with existing experimental data for $^{166}$Er and $^{162}$Dy gases. By constructing comprehensive phase diagrams across the parameter space of the $s$-wave scattering length, atom number, and trap aspect ratio, we reveal both discontinuous first-order phase transitions and smooth crossovers between the dilute Bose-Einstein condensate and dense quantum droplet phases. We confirm that the enhanced incompressibility induced by quantum fluctuations significantly elevates the breathing-mode frequencies in the droplet phase compared to conventional weakly interacting Bose gases. Furthermore, the system undergoes a phase transition and a crossover over the scattering length under the quasi-two-dimensional and quasi-one-dimensional confinements, characterized by discontinuous jumps and continuous crossovers in peak density and atomic cloud sizes, respectively. Our work offers a rigorous and highly accurate framework to characterize collective excitations in dipolar quantum gases, providing quantitative insights for forthcoming ultracold atom experiments in lanthanide atoms and polar molecules.

cond-mat.quant-gasCross-listedarXiv:2606.29370•Physical Review A•Jun 30, 2026•0 citations

One-dimensional polar spinor droplets

Anonymous, Wen-Kai Bai, Yi-Ran Shen +3 more

We derive a channel-resolved Lee-Huang-Yang correction and construct an extended GrossPitaevskii model for one-dimensional polar spin-1 quantum droplets. The fluctuation contribution separates into density and spin channels, which supports self-bound droplets even when the spinindependent mean-field interaction is repulsive. Stationary solutions exhibit a continuous crossover from soliton-like to flat-top droplets, accompanied by saturation of the chemical potential and peak density as the particle number increases. Within the parameter range examined here, linear Bogoliubov analysis together with weak-perturbation dynamics supports the stability of both droplet types. A quadratic-Zeeman quench reveals a finite-size crossover in breathing dynamics and distinct nonequilibrium roles of the density and spin fluctuation channels. Representative head-on collisions further show that the finite-size crossover modulates phase-sensitive nonlinear scattering, with in-phase impact producing coalescence-like central retention and out-of-phase impact favoring quasi-elastic separation. The analysis clarifies how density and spin fluctuations shape equilibrium structure and nonequilibrium response in low-dimensional polar spinor droplets.

arXiv:2608.20419•Physical Review A•Aug 17, 2026•0 citations

One-dimensional asymmetrically interacting quantum droplets in Bose-Bose mixtures

Huiyun Xiao, Xinran Zhang, Junli Liu +3 more

We theoretically investigate ground-state properties and collective excitations of one-dimensional quantum droplets in asymmetric Bose-Bose mixtures with unequal intraspin interactions. Using the extended Gross-Pitaevskii equation supported by variational, sum-rule, and linearization methods, we show that the intraspin interaction ratio substantially alters the droplet's density profile, driving a transition from Gaussian-like to flat-top shapes. By examining two experimentally relevant parameter regions, we analyze density profiles, radii, peak densities, and excitation spectra to distinguish quantum phases and to depict phase diagrams in the space of asymmetric interaction ratio and total atom number. We carefully study the frequencies of both well-known dipole and breathing modes and less-explored spin-dipole and spin-breathing modes. The breathing-mode frequency decreases monotonically with interaction ratio, approaching asymptotically the result of a conventional weakly interacting Bose gas. It varies nonmonotonically with total atom number, peaking at a critical point that highlights the crucial role of quantum fluctuations. In contrast, spin modes display distinct temporal spin density distributions and reveal in-phase and out-of-phase relative dynamics between components. Their frequencies depend instead monotonically on the interaction ratio and atom number. Our results provide a comprehensive understanding of asymmetric quantum droplets and link to experimentally accessible regimes in ultracold $^{39}$K atomic gases.

arXiv:2601.16808•Physical Review A•May 12, 2026•3 citations

Investigation of Quantum Liquid in Quasi One Dimensional Bose-Einstein Condensate

Argha Debnath, Ayan Khan

Recent observations of droplets in dipolar and binary Bose-Einstein condensate (BEC) motivates us to study the theory of droplet formation in details. Precisely, we are interested in investigating the possibility of droplet formation in a quasi one dimensional geometry. The recent observation have concluded that the droplets are stabilized by the competition between effective mean-filed and beyond mean-field interaction. Hence, it is possible to map the effective equation of motion to a cubic-quartic nonlinear Schr\odinger equation (CQNLSE). We obtain two analytical solutions of the modified Gross-Pitaevskii equation or CQNLSE and based on their stability we investigate the parameter regime for which droplets can form. The effective potential allows us to conclude about the regions of soliton domination and self bound droplet formations.

•Aug 2, 2020•0 citations

Ultradilute quasi-two-dimensional Bose-Bose liquid mixtures

Leandra Vranješ Markić, Ivan Poparić, Krešimir Dželalija +2 more

We study ultradilute $^{39}$K Bose-Bose bulk mixtures and droplets in an external harmonic potential that confines them in one spatial direction towards the two-dimensional (2D) limit. Equations of state for several confinements are obtained with quantum Monte Carlo (QMC) at $T=0$, using interaction potentials that include information on the $s$-wave scattering length $a$ and the effective range $r_{\rm eff}$. Performing the calculations using two different interaction potential models we have determined the range of confinements for which equations of state are universal in terms of $a$ and $r_{\rm eff}$. Based on the QMC equation of state, we develop a 2D QMC density functional for each confinement strength and use it together with the local density approximation to determine properties of the self-bound drops. For moderate squeezing, energies and droplet profiles obtained using the 2D QMC functional agree well with those obtained using 3D functionals, while offering a substantial reduction in computational cost, and a consistent approach in crossover to 2D. Noticeably, our results approach 2D mean-field (MF) + Lee-Huang-Yang (LHY) predictions only for the most strongly confined systems for which universality in terms of $a$ and $r_{\rm eff}$ is observed. This implies a very narrow range of confinements for which 2D LHY functionals are applicable, which has important consequences for the study of vortices.

arXiv:2607.25558•Jul 28, 2026•0 citations

Transdimensional quantum droplets in an optically trapped Bose mixture

Xiaoran Ye, Yi Zhang, Ziheng Zhou +1 more

We study quantum droplets in a symmetric two-component Bose mixture with interspecies $p$-wave interactions and a two-dimensional transverse optical lattice. The lattice drives a crossover from an anisotropic three-dimensional gas to weakly coupled one-dimensional tubes. We calculate the ground-state energy and quantum depletion at the Gaussian level and derive their limiting forms. At $y=g_{12}/g=-0.95$, where the bare mean field is repulsive and no free-space droplet exists, the calculated bulk equation of state supports a self-bound minimum across the crossover: a negative lattice contribution at order $n^{2}$ supplies the attraction in the three-dimensional regime, and attractive fluctuations do so in the quasi-one-dimensional regime, with the intermediate, transdimensional range described quantitatively by neither limit. The interspecies $p$-wave interaction modifies only the spin branch. In the parameter range studied, increasing its strength lowers the equilibrium density across the crossover, consistently with a weakening of the induced binding.

arXiv:2609.11047•Sep 10, 2026•0 citations
We explore the ground states and dynamics of ultracold atomic droplets in the crossover region from three to two dimensions by solving the two-dimensional and the quasi two-dimensional extended Gross-Pitaevskii equations numerically and with a variational approach. By systematically comparing the droplet properties, we determine the validity regions of the pure two-dimensional description, and therefore the dominance of the logarithmic nonlinear coupling, as a function of the sign of the averaged mean-field interactions and the size of the transverse confinement. One of our main findings is that droplets become substantially extended upon transitioning from negative-to-positive averaged mean-field interactions. This is accompanied by a significant reduction of their binding energies which are approximately inversely proportional to the square of their size. To explore fundamental dynamical properties in the crossover region, we study interaction quenches and show that the droplets perform a periodic breathing motion for modest quench strengths, while larger quench amplitudes lead to continuous expansion exhibiting density ring structures. We also showcase that it is possible to form complex bulk and surface density patterns in anisotropic geometries following the quench. Since we are working with realistic parameters, our results can directly facilitate future experimental realizations.
We theoretically investigate the ground-state properties and breathing-mode collective excitations of three-dimensional dipolar Bose gases in anisotropic harmonic traps incorporating quantum fluctuations. Combining a Gaussian variational ansatz with a non-perturbative sum-rule analysis, we derive explicit analytical expressions for both axial and radial breathing-mode frequencies, which are validated by numerical solutions of the time-dependent extended Gross-Pitaevskii equation. Our theoretical predictions show excellent agreement with existing experimental data for 166^{166}166Er and 162^{162}162Dy gases. By constructing comprehensive phase diagrams across the parameter space of the sss-wave scattering length, atom number, and trap aspect ratio, we reveal both discontinuous first-order phase transitions and smooth crossovers between the dilute Bose-Einstein condensate and dense quantum droplet phases. We confirm that the enhanced incompressibility induced by quantum fluctuations significantly elevates the breathing-mode frequencies in the droplet phase compared to conventional weakly interacting Bose gases. Furthermore, the system undergoes a phase transition and a crossover over the scattering length under the quasi-two-dimensional and quasi-one-dimensional confinements, characterized by discontinuous jumps and continuous crossovers in peak density and atomic cloud sizes, respectively. Our work offers a rigorous and highly accurate framework to characterize collective excitations in dipolar quantum gases, providing quantitative insights for forthcoming ultracold atom experiments in lanthanide atoms and polar molecules.
We derive a channel-resolved Lee-Huang-Yang correction and construct an extended GrossPitaevskii model for one-dimensional polar spin-1 quantum droplets. The fluctuation contribution separates into density and spin channels, which supports self-bound droplets even when the spinindependent mean-field interaction is repulsive. Stationary solutions exhibit a continuous crossover from soliton-like to flat-top droplets, accompanied by saturation of the chemical potential and peak density as the particle number increases. Within the parameter range examined here, linear Bogoliubov analysis together with weak-perturbation dynamics supports the stability of both droplet types. A quadratic-Zeeman quench reveals a finite-size crossover in breathing dynamics and distinct nonequilibrium roles of the density and spin fluctuation channels. Representative head-on collisions further show that the finite-size crossover modulates phase-sensitive nonlinear scattering, with in-phase impact producing coalescence-like central retention and out-of-phase impact favoring quasi-elastic separation. The analysis clarifies how density and spin fluctuations shape equilibrium structure and nonequilibrium response in low-dimensional polar spinor droplets.
We theoretically investigate ground-state properties and collective excitations of one-dimensional quantum droplets in asymmetric Bose-Bose mixtures with unequal intraspin interactions. Using the extended Gross-Pitaevskii equation supported by variational, sum-rule, and linearization methods, we show that the intraspin interaction ratio substantially alters the droplet's density profile, driving a transition from Gaussian-like to flat-top shapes. By examining two experimentally relevant parameter regions, we analyze density profiles, radii, peak densities, and excitation spectra to distinguish quantum phases and to depict phase diagrams in the space of asymmetric interaction ratio and total atom number. We carefully study the frequencies of both well-known dipole and breathing modes and less-explored spin-dipole and spin-breathing modes. The breathing-mode frequency decreases monotonically with interaction ratio, approaching asymptotically the result of a conventional weakly interacting Bose gas. It varies nonmonotonically with total atom number, peaking at a critical point that highlights the crucial role of quantum fluctuations. In contrast, spin modes display distinct temporal spin density distributions and reveal in-phase and out-of-phase relative dynamics between components. Their frequencies depend instead monotonically on the interaction ratio and atom number. Our results provide a comprehensive understanding of asymmetric quantum droplets and link to experimentally accessible regimes in ultracold 39^{39}39K atomic gases.
Recent observations of droplets in dipolar and binary Bose-Einstein condensate (BEC) motivates us to study the theory of droplet formation in details. Precisely, we are interested in investigating the possibility of droplet formation in a quasi one dimensional geometry. The recent observation have concluded that the droplets are stabilized by the competition between effective mean-filed and beyond mean-field interaction. Hence, it is possible to map the effective equation of motion to a cubic-quartic nonlinear Schr\odinger equation (CQNLSE). We obtain two analytical solutions of the modified Gross-Pitaevskii equation or CQNLSE and based on their stability we investigate the parameter regime for which droplets can form. The effective potential allows us to conclude about the regions of soliton domination and self bound droplet formations.
We study ultradilute 39^{39}39K Bose-Bose bulk mixtures and droplets in an external harmonic potential that confines them in one spatial direction towards the two-dimensional (2D) limit. Equations of state for several confinements are obtained with quantum Monte Carlo (QMC) at T=0T=0T=0, using interaction potentials that include information on the sss-wave scattering length aaa and the effective range reffr_{\rm eff}reff​. Performing the calculations using two different interaction potential models we have determined the range of confinements for which equations of state are universal in terms of aaa and reffr_{\rm eff}reff​. Based on the QMC equation of state, we develop a 2D QMC density functional for each confinement strength and use it together with the local density approximation to determine properties of the self-bound drops. For moderate squeezing, energies and droplet profiles obtained using the 2D QMC functional agree well with those obtained using 3D functionals, while offering a substantial reduction in computational cost, and a consistent approach in crossover to 2D. Noticeably, our results approach 2D mean-field (MF) + Lee-Huang-Yang (LHY) predictions only for the most strongly confined systems for which universality in terms of aaa and reffr_{\rm eff}reff​ is observed. This implies a very narrow range of confinements for which 2D LHY functionals are applicable, which has important consequences for the study of vortices.
We study quantum droplets in a symmetric two-component Bose mixture with interspecies ppp-wave interactions and a two-dimensional transverse optical lattice. The lattice drives a crossover from an anisotropic three-dimensional gas to weakly coupled one-dimensional tubes. We calculate the ground-state energy and quantum depletion at the Gaussian level and derive their limiting forms. At y=g12/g=−0.95y=g_{12}/g=-0.95y=g12​/g=−0.95, where the bare mean field is repulsive and no free-space droplet exists, the calculated bulk equation of state supports a self-bound minimum across the crossover: a negative lattice contribution at order n2n^{2}n2 supplies the attraction in the three-dimensional regime, and attractive fluctuations do so in the quasi-one-dimensional regime, with the intermediate, transdimensional range described quantitatively by neither limit. The interspecies ppp-wave interaction modifies only the spin branch. In the parameter range studied, increasing its strength lowers the equilibrium density across the crossover, consistently with a weakening of the induced binding.