What is the Bose-Einstein State and How Does it Compare to Plasma?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the Bose-Einstein Condensate (BEC) state, its characteristics, and how it compares to plasma. Participants explore the nature of BECs, particularly in relation to their density and properties, while seeking clarity on the concept of "more solid than solid."

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant seeks a deeper understanding of the Bose-Einstein State, questioning the phrase "more solid than solid."
  • Another participant challenges the interpretation of solidity in relation to BECs, noting that superfluid helium, a partial BEC, does not exhibit solid characteristics.
  • A third participant mentions that BECs involving alkali metal atoms have a density significantly lower than that of air at standard temperature and pressure (STP).
  • A participant provides external resources for further reading on the topic, specifically mentioning supersolids and their relation to BECs, describing them as resembling solid crystals with superfluid-like properties.
  • It is noted that understanding supersolids requires a foundational knowledge of BECs.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the solidity of BECs and their properties, indicating that multiple competing interpretations exist regarding the characteristics of BECs and their comparison to solids and plasmas. The discussion remains unresolved.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations in the discussion regarding the definitions of solidity and the specific conditions under which BECs and supersolids are understood. The relationship between BECs and other states of matter, such as plasma, is not fully explored.

DR_henegar
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I need help, and not just from Wikipedia. I need to know what is know about the State Bose-Einstein State...the state more solid than..solid...per se.
 
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"More solid than solid, in itself"? What does that mean?

Superfluid helium is a partial BEC, and not particularly 'solid'.
 
And in BECs involving alkali metal atoms (among the most popular kind of BECs), the density of the condensate is actually about a million times lower than that of air at STP.
 
Note that the above references are for supersolids. To understand them, one must first have a reasonable understanding of BECs.
 

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