Supersolid phases of bosons

J Phys Condens Matter. 2025 Aug 14;37(33). doi: 10.1088/1361-648X/adf6fb.

Abstract

Supersolids-the enigmatic phase of quantum matter, with properties resembling both the superfluid and solid states-have been actively sought over the past 70 years. We provide a comprehensive review of the developments to date in experimental and theoretical studies of the supersolid phases of bosons, with a particular focus on their observation in ultracold atomic gases. Additionally, the use of optical lattices facilitates the realization of 'lattice-supersolids', which paves the way to study the effect of correlations in a controlled manner. A brief theoretical framework is presented to characterize this puzzling state with competing orders and to gain insight into its basic properties. Various types of supersolid phases and the different platforms used to achieve them are described. Finally, we discuss the future prospects of research and the potential to achieve supersolids with more exotic features.

Keywords: lattice bosons; supersolids; ultracold quantum gases.

Publication types

  • Review