03.06.2025

Lauriane Chomaz: Stabilization by quantum fluctuations in ultracold gases of magnetic atoms: experimental observations and theory descriptions

Thanks to their high degree of control and tunability, ultracold atomic gases provide a rich platform for the study of quantum many-body effects. Ultracold gases of highly magnetic atoms exhibit unique interaction properties that lead to striking behaviors, both at the mean-field level and beyond [1]. A decade ago, a universal stabilization mechanism driven by quantum fluctuations was discovered in these gases. This mechanism prevents the systems from collapsing when the mean-field interactions become attractive, and instead allows exotic states of matter to arise, including ultradilute quantum droplets, crystallized quantum states, and especially the so-called supersolids [2]. In my colloquium, I will present the seminal observations of these states and how they emerged from the long-standing progress in the field. I will discuss the theoretical description of these systems via an effective mean-field theory, including the effect of quantum fluctuations via a higher-order effective interaction. I will outline our current understanding of the properties of these states and highlight open questions.
[1] L. Chomaz & al, Dipolar physics: a review of experiments with magnetic quantum gases, Reports on Progress in Physics 86, 026401 (2023).
[2] L. Chomaz, Quantum-stabilized states in magnetic dipolar quantum gases, arXiv preprint 2504.06221 (2025)