Speaker
Description
Understanding vortex dynamics in three-dimensional superfluid systems emerges as a key challenge. Driven by the ultracold quantum gases laboratory that has recently been established in Milan, I will present a work [1] aimed at numerically investigating and controlling three-dimensional vortex ring formation and dynamics in trapped Bose-Einstein condensates.
In this work, we propose and numerically validate an experimentally feasible on-demand protocol for the nucleation and manipulation of stable quantum vortex rings in harmonically trapped cylindrical Bose–Einstein condensates. Sweeping a laser-sheet barrier through the condensate, we locally constrict the superflow and trigger vortex-ring formation. By tuning the barrier height and width, and by scanning the barrier velocity, we identify the onset of periodic vortex-ring generation above the critical velocity and achieve direct, deterministic control over the ring nucleation position, radius and hence propagation speed.
Once the ring has formed, we apply tailored local optical potentials to reshape the vortex ring and excite clean Kelvin waves on it, or deliberately induce its destabilisation.
Our results provide a foundation for systematic studies of three-dimensional vortices in atomic superfluids and open the door to tailored vortex dynamics and interactions, enabling controlled access to quantum turbulence.
References:
[1] G. Iori, K. Xhani, W.J. Kwon, D.E. Galli, L. Galantucci, arXiv:2603.09746 (2026)