We investigate the superfluid fraction of crystalline stationary states within the framework of mean-field Gross-Pitaevskii theory. Our primary focus is on a two-dimensional system with a non-local soft-core interaction, where the superfluid fraction is described by a rank-2 tensor. We analyze and establish connections between methods for calculating the superfluid tensor derived from analysis of the nonclassical translational inertia and the effective mass. We then apply these methods for crystalline states exhibiting triangular, square, and stripe geometries across a broad range of interaction parameters. Factors leading to an anisotropic superfluid fraction tensor are also considered. We also refine the Leggett bounds for the superfluid fraction to an accurate approach that involves a calculation using the density profile over a single unit cell. We systematically compare these bounds to our full numerical results, and other results in the literature. This work is of direct relevance to other supersolid systems of current interest, such as supersolids produced using dipolar Bose-Einstein condensates.
Dipolar condensates have recently been coaxed to form the long-sought supersolid phase. While one-dimensional supersolids may be prepared by triggering a roton instability, we find that such a procedure in two dimensions (2D) leads to a loss of both global phase coherence and crystalline order. Unlike in 1D, the 2D roton modes have little in common with the supersolid configuration. We develop a finite-temperature stochastic Gross-Pitaevskii theory that includes beyond-mean-field effects to explore the formation process in 2D and find that evaporative cooling directly into the supersolid phase-hence bypassing the first-order roton instability-can produce a robust supersolid in a circular trap. Importantly, the resulting supersolid is stable at the final nonzero temperature. We then experimentally produce a 2D supersolid in a near-circular trap through such an evaporative procedure. Our work provides insight into the process of supersolid formation in 2D and defines a realistic path to the formation of large two-dimensional supersolid arrays.
Two-component dipolar condensates are now experimentally producible, and we theoretically investigate the nature of supersolidity in this system. We predict the existence of a binary supersolid state in which the two components form a series of alternating domains, producing an immiscible double supersolid. Remarkably, we find that a dipolar component can even induce supersolidity in a nondipolar component. In stark contrast to single-component dipolar supersolids, alternating-domain supersolids do not require quantum stabilization, and the number of crystal sites is not strictly limited by the condensate populations, with the density hence being substantially lower. Our results are applicable to a wide range of dipole moment combinations, marking an important step towards long-lived bulk-supersolidity.
A quantum liquid in a heterogeneous mixture of $^{41}$K and $^{87}$Rb atoms is studied using the diffusion Monte Carlo method and Density Functional Theory. The perturbative Lee-Huang-Yang term for a heterogeneous mixture is verified and it is proved to be valid only near the gas-liquid transition. Based on the equations of state of the bulk mixture, calculated with diffusion Monte Carlo, extensions to Lee-Huang-Yang corrected mean-field energy functionals (MF+LHY) are presented. Using Density Functional Theory, a systematic comparison between different functionals is performed, focusing on the critical atom number, surface tension, surface width, Tolman length, and compressibility. These results are given as a function of the inter-species interaction strength, within the stability domain of the liquid mixture.
We theoretically investigate supersolidity in three-dimensional dipolar Bose-Einstein condensates. We focus on the role of trap geometry in determining the dimensionality of the resulting droplet arrays, which range from one-dimensional to zigzag, through to two-dimensional supersolids in circular traps. Supersolidity is well established in one-dimensional arrays, and may be just as favorable in two-dimensional arrays provided that one appropriately scales the atom number to the trap volume. We develop a tractable variational model--which we benchmark against full numerical simulations--and use it to study droplet crystals and their excitations. We also outline how exotic ring and stripe states may be created with experimentally-feasible parameters. Our work paves the way for future studies of two-dimensional dipolar supersolids in realistic settings.