Weber number and the outcome of binary collisions between quantum droplets

TL;DR

This paper provides a theoretical framework for understanding binary collisions of quantum droplets, introducing surface tension expressions and analyzing collision outcomes, including coalescence and disintegration, in ultracold atomic mixtures.

Contribution

It introduces reliable surface tension formulas for quantum droplets and analyzes collision regimes and atom losses, advancing understanding of droplet interactions in ultracold gases.

Findings

Collision outcomes range from coalescence to disintegration.

Surface tension expressions enable Weber number calculations.

Atom losses from self-evaporation and three-body scattering are quantified.

Abstract

A theoretical analysis of binary collisions of quantum droplets under feasible experimental conditions is reported. Droplets formed from degenerate dilute Bose gases made up from binary mixtures of ultra cold atoms are considered. Reliable expressions for the surface tension of the droplets are introduced based on a study of low energy excitations of their ground state within the random phase approximation. Their relevance is evaluated considering an estimation of the expected excitation energy having in mind the Thouless variational theorem. The surface tension expressions allow calculating the Weber number of the droplets involved in the collisions. Several regimes on the outcomes of the binary frontal collisions that range from the coalescence of the quantum droplets to their disintegration into smaller droplets are identified. Atoms losses of the droplets derived from self-evaporation and three-body scattering are quantified for both homo- and hetero-nuclear mixtures. Their control is mandatory for the observation of some interesting effects arising from droplets collisions.