Supersolids and quantum droplets via light mediated interactions.

A colloboration between the Experimental Quantum Optics and Photonics Group (T. Ackemann, E. Haller) and Computional Nonlonerar and Quantum Optics Group (G. Robb, P. Kirton) obtained funding from EPSRC for the investigation of Supersolids and quantum droplets via light mediated interactions. The project aims to realize supersolid and droplet phases of matter in a laser-driven Bose-Einstein condensate of ultracold Cs atoms via light-mediated interactions introduced by feed-back from a retroreflecting mirror. Diffractive dephasing of the retroreflected light induces the nontrivial spatial correlations leading to supersolidity. This work will develop a unique platform for exploring emergent behaviour and symmetry-breaking in self-organised supersolids with intriguing connections to the dynamics of long-range coupled systems and time crystals. Watch this space!