For the first time, droplets have been seen shattering into a 'quantum rain' in a degenerate, ultracold fluid of potassium and rubidium isotopes, bridging the classical world of fluid dynamics with the ethereal landscape of atomic gases. "Our measurements not only advance the understanding of this exotic liquid phase, but also demonstrate the possibility of creating quantum droplet arrays for future applications in quantum technologies," says Luca Cavicchioli, first author of the study and condensed matter physicist from Italy's National Institute of Optics. A subtle imbalance in the charges spread across the water's hydrogen and oxygen atoms creates a dipole effect, pushing and pulling against charges in the water and glass to either split larger droplets into smaller ones or aggregate smaller ones into fat, wet beads that keep the surface area at an absolute minimum.
Author: Mike McRae
Published at: 2025-04-20 21:46:24
Still want to read the full version? Full article
