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Controlled acoustic-driven vortex transport in coupled superfluid rings

A. Chaika1, A. O. Oliinyk1, I. V. Yatsuta2, M. Edwards3, N. P. Proukakis4, T. Bland5, and A. I. Yakimenko1,6

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Phys. Rev. A 113, 053305 – Published 7 May, 2026

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1103/sfjj-s62c

Abstract

Atomtronic quantum sensors based on trapped superfluids offer a promising platform for high-precision inertial measurements where the dynamics of quantized vortices can serve as sensitive probes of external forces. We analytically investigate the persistent current oscillations between two density-coupled Bose-Einstein condensate rings of equal radius and show that the vortex dynamics is governed by low-energy acoustic excitations circulating through the condensate bulk. The oscillation frequency and damping rate are quantitatively predicted by a simplified hydrodynamic model, in agreement with Bogoliubov–de Gennes analysis and Gross-Pitaevskii simulations. We identify the critical dissipation separating persistent oscillations from overdamped vortex localization. Furthermore, we demonstrate that periodic modulation of the interring barrier at resonant frequencies enables controlled vortex transfer even when the condensates are well separated in density. These results clarify the role of collective hydrodynamic modes in circulation transfer and establish a framework for employing vortex dynamics in atomtronic quantum technologies.

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Phys. Rev. A 113, 053305– Published 7 May, 2026
  • Received 10 November 2025
  • Accepted 13 April 2026
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