Supersolid experiment reveals quantum rhythm in ultracold matter

Supersolid experiment reveals quantum rhythm in ultracold matter
by Sophie Jenkins
London, UK (SPX) Oct 24, 2025

A team at the University of Innsbruck has shed light on the behavior of supersolids, a phase of matter that combines crystalline rigidity with frictionless fluidity. Using magnetic fields to rotate a supersolid quantum gas, researchers discovered that quantum droplets arranged in a crystalline structure began to move in periodic order, surrounded by a superfluid. The experiment found that when a vortex entered the system, the precession and revolution of these droplets aligned and rotated in unison.

Francesca Ferlaino explained, "Each droplet precesses following the rotation of the external magnetic field; they all revolve collectively. When a vortex enters the system, precession and revolution begins to rotate synchronously." Elena Poli, lead theorist, stated, "What surprised us was that the supersolid crystal didn't just rotate chaotically. Once quantum vortices formed, the whole structure fell into rhythm with the external magnetic field - like nature finding its own beat." Andrea Litvinov, who led the experimental work, commented, "It was thrilling to see the data suddenly align with the theory. There was a moment when the system just 'snapped into rhythm'."

This synchronization, a phenomenon observed in clocks, fireflies, and heart cells, demonstrated that even exotic quantum matter can coordinate its motion. By examining the point of synchronization, the researchers determined the critical frequency at which vortices develop - a key trait of rotating quantum fluids, previously difficult to observe directly. Advanced simulations and precise experiments on ultracold dysprosium atoms, cooled to billionths of a degree above absolute zero via magnetostirring, enabled the team to track these effects with exceptional clarity.

The discovery's implications reach beyond the laboratory, as similar vortex events may occur in neutron stars, the universe's densest objects. "Supersolids are a perfect playground to explore questions that are otherwise inaccessible," said Poli. Even though their experiments occurred in micrometer-scale traps, the findings may reflect cosmic phenomena.

The work stemmed from collaboration between theorists and experimentalists at Innsbruck's Department of Experimental Physics and IQOQI of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, with support from the University of Trento's Pitaevskii BEC Center. Funding came from the Austrian Science Fund, the Austrian Research Promotion Agency, and the EU.

Research Report:Synchronization in rotating supersolids