Publication

For the starting EPSRC funded project Supersolids and quantum droplets via light mediated interactions we are looking for two motivated postdoctoral researchers with a start date from February 2026.

Informal enquiries to Thorsten Ackemann thorsten.ackemann@strath.ac.uk or Elmar Haller Elmar Haller elmar.haller@strath.ac.uk for the experimental position, and Peter Kirton peter.kirton@strath.ac.uk or Gordon Robb g.r.m.robb@strath.ac.uk for the theoretical position.

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!