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Ferlaino's group at the University of Innsbruck have made a groundbreaking discovery by experimentally confirming the precence of vortices in supersolids, a unique phase of matter that exhibits both solid and superfluid properties. This discovery opens new possibilities for studying laboratory analogues of rotating neutron stars. 

Supersolids behave like a superfluid with zero viscosity, while maintaining a solid's crystalline structure. Initially observed in 2019, they display density patterns resembling mountains and valleys. Until now, one key feature—vortex formation—had remained elusive. The Innsbruck team has now detected these vortices by observing density holes in a cloud of ultracold dysprosium atoms. Their findings were confirmed by a new experimental setup using a "magnetostirring" method to rotate the supersolid and observe vortex patterns.The team used a rotating magnetic field to control the interactions between atoms, causing them to form a supersolid. When the rotation speed exceeded a certain threshold, vortices appeared in the low-density valleys of the supersolid. In contrast, vortices in superfluids formed only at much higher rotation rates. This helps to explain why vortices form more easily in supersolids, where the low-density regions offer less resistance.

These vortices, while seemingly paradoxical in a crystal-like structure, suggest that the lattice is not rigid, but flexible enough to allow for superfluid behavior. The new experiment provides a valuable window for further studies on supersolids, with potential implications for understanding neutron stars, where a similar supersolid layer might exist.

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References

E. Casotti, “Observation of vortices in a dipolar supersolid,” Nature 635, 327 (2024).

S. B. Prasad et al., “Vortex lattice formation in dipolar Bose-Einstein condensates via rotation of the polarization,” Phys. Rev. A 100, 023625 (2019).

G. Biagioni et al., “Measurement of the superfluid fraction of a supersolid by Josephson effect,” Nature 629, 773 (2024).

One in two female scientists say they have experienced sexual harassment at work. Today, November 25th, marks the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, highlighting the critical challenges we still have to overcome.

Here is some data:
1/3 woman in the EU experienced gender-based violence.
80% of disabled women are victims of violence.
75% of Islamophobic attacks target women.
85% of transgender people are assaulted in their lifetime.

Let's unite to end violence against women and underrepresented groups womenandgirlsinphysics hashtagdiversityandinclusioninSTEM hashtagendviolenceagainstwomen hashtag25november hashtagnoexcuse hashtagunite

hashtag(data from Eurostat, Ipsos, UN Women, NousToutes)

Francesca Ferlaino, a prominent physicist in Innsbruck, Austria, focuses on uncovering quantum phenomena at temperatures approaching absolute zero. Originally from Naples, she arrived at the University of Innsbruck in 2006 as a guest scientist to study ultracold molecules and has since made Austria her home. She is currently serving as a professor and scientific director at the Austrian Academy of Sciences’ Institute for Quantum Optics and Quantum Information in Innsbruck.

At a recent gala where she received Austria’s “Person of the Year” award, Ferlaino reflected on how being recognized as an Italian felt meaningful and inspiring, especially for the international scientific community. Her research into unknown states of matter has led to significant findings, including observing “suprasolid” states, where atoms display properties of both liquids and solids simultaneously—a groundbreaking discovery in quantum physics.

To study quantum interactions, Ferlaino cools atoms to near absolute zero, allowing the observation of interactions without direct contact, particularly with highly magnetic erbium atoms. These atoms can exchange information across distances without touching, a phenomenon with potential to revolutionize data transmission.

When asked about her scientific role models, such as Erwin Schrödinger and Anton Zeilinger, Francesca Ferlaino humbly declined comparison. She noted also that, in her experience, scientific breakthroughs are collaborative efforts rather than individual genius. With few women in her field, she founded atom*innen. 


Ferlaino champions fundamental research, advocating that advances in science often stem from basic discoveries rather than immediate applications. As highlighted by Henrietta Egerth-Stadlhuber, the Managing Director of the Austrian Research Promotion Agency FFG, foundational research may take decades to impact humanity but is crucial in the long term, serving the collective needs of society.

Some time ago at Institute IQOQI-Innsbruck, Francesca Ferlaino began developing the idea of creating an online user-interactive platform to empower and support women in (quantum) physics, with the aim of providing a focal point for gathering information and connections. Today, the project has taken form and it's called Atom*innen. It will be launched on April 11th in Vienna.

To emphasise the importance of inclusive language, the university's new regulations were written using the feminine for all persons in the singular and plural: something very rare in institutional contexts.

The University of Trento's board unanimously approved a new regulation where all positions are referred to in the feminine form, aiming to promote gender equality in language. This move challenges the traditionally overextended use of the masculine in Italian, reflecting broader debates on sexism in language. While this linguistic shift is rare in institutional settings, it echoes ongoing discussions in Italian public and political spheres. Such debates include instances where female professionals advocate for recognition in the feminine form, while others argue for maintaining traditional linguistic conventions. This issue intersects with broader discussions about introducing inclusive language in official documents, an area where Italian politics has historically been resistant. Despite efforts like an unsuccessful 2022 amendment advocating for gender-inclusive language in official communication, the debate surrounding gendered language persists in Italian society.

Read the full article in ilpost.

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