Spontaneous symmetry breaking in rotating condensates of ultracold atoms

Abstract

We describe an equilibrium state of a rotating trapped atomic condensate, which is characterized by a non-zero internal circulation and spontaneous breaking of the rotational O(2) symmetry with all three major semiaxes of the condensate having different values. The macroscopic rotation of the condensate is supported by a mesh of quantized vortices, whose number density is a function of internal circulation. The oscillation modes of this state are computed and the Goldstone mode associated with the loss of the symmetry is identified. The possible avenues for experimental identification this state are discussed.