A primer on quantum fluids

Abstract

This book introduces the theoretical description and properties of quantum fluids. The focus is on gaseous atomic Bose-Einstein condensates and, to a minor extent, superfluid helium, but the underlying concepts are relevant to other forms of quantum fluids such as polariton and photonic condensates. The book is pitched at the level of advanced undergraduates and early postgraduate students, aiming to provide the reader with the knowledge and skills to develop their own research project on quantum fluids. Indeed, the content for this book grew from introductory notes provided to our own research students. It is assumed that the reader has prior knowledge of undergraduate mathematics and/or physics; otherwise, the concepts are introduced from scratch, often with references for directed further reading.