Export citation

Export citation

Choose format for download:

Download Citation

    Chiral quantum droplet in a spin-orbit-coupled Bose gas

    Tianqi Luo1,2 and Xiaoling Cui1,*

    • *Contact author: xlcui@iphy.ac.cn

    Phys. Rev. A 112, 043312 – Published 14 October, 2025

    DOI: https://doi.org/10.1103/8nvh-541r

    Abstract

    We report the formation of the chiral quantum droplet in a spin-orbit-coupled Bose gas, where the system turns to a self-bound droplet when moving towards a particular direction and remains gaseous otherwise. The chirality arises from the breaking of Galilean invariance by spin-orbit coupling, which enables the system to dynamically adjust its condensation momentum and spin polarization in response to its velocity. As a result, only towards a specific moving direction and beyond a critical velocity, the acquired spin polarization can trigger collective interactions sufficient for self-binding and drive a first-order transition from gas to droplet. We map out a phase diagram of the droplet, gas, and their coexistence for realistic spin-orbit-coupled K39 mixtures with tunable moving velocity and magnetic detuning. Our results reveal the emergence of chirality in spin-orbit-coupled quantum gases, which shed light on general chiral phenomena in moving systems with broken Galilean invariance.

    Physics Subject Headings (PhySH)

    Authorization Required

    We need you to provide your credentials before accessing this content.

    References (Subscription Required)

    Outline

    Information

    Sign In to Your Journals Account

    Filter

    Filter

    Article Lookup

    Enter a citation