Researchers Watch Quantum Kots Untie Themselves & Turn Into a Vortex

(ScienceDaily) A quantum gas can be tied into knots using magnetic fields. Researchers collaborating between Aalto University and Amherst College, USA, have now studied how the knots behave over time. The surprising result is that the knots untie themselves over a short period of time, before turning into a vortex.
The research was mainly carried out by Tuomas Ollikainen, a PhD student at Aalto university who split his time between carrying out experimental work in Amherst in Massachusetts, and analyzing the data and developing his theories at Aalto.
Prof. Mikko Möttönen, head of Quantum Computing and Devices group where Ollikainen works said,”.. . It would be great to see this technology being used some day in a practical application, which may well happen. Our latest results show that while quantum knots in atomic gases are exciting, you need to be quick to use them before they untie themselves. Thus the first applications are likely to be found in other systems.” Möttönen continues.