Progress Towards a Rb-K Quantum Mixture Experiment to Explore Vortex Dynamics in Binary Superfluids.

Quantum mixtures formed of ultracold atoms provide an extremely clean and well-controlled system for studies of the cooperative behavior inherent in superfluidity and subsequent superfluid dynamics, with exquisite control over interactions, geometry, and rotation (vorticity). Experimental control of interspecies interactions allows exploration of both miscible and immiscible regimes and has enabled demonstrations of beyond-mean-field phenomena such as quantum droplets and Lee-Huang-Yang gases. Quantised vortices, topologically-protected defects, are ideal probes of the cooperative behaviour inherent in superfluid systems, as their nucleation, internal structure, and dynamics depend directly on the microscopic physics at play. Furthermore, vortices play an integral role in the dissipation of energy in these systems. I will present experimental progress at the University of Strathclyde towards an ultracold Rb-K quantum mixture apparatus to enable studies of vortex dynamics in binary superfluids, with a particular focus on exploring the role that these vortices play in both supporting and destroying useful bulk quantum properties such as superfluidity and superconductivity.