Self-bound dipolar droplet: A localized matter wave in free space

Abstract

We demonstrate that a dipolar condensate can be prepared into a three-dimensional wave packet that remains localized when released in free space. Such self-bound states arise from the interplay of the two-body interactions and quantum fluctuations. We develop a phase diagram for the parameter regimes where these self-bound states are stable, examine their properties, and demonstrate how they can be produced in current experiments.