What is a Bose-Einstein condensate?

A Bose-Einstein condensate is a state of matter that occurs at temperatures close to absolute zero, where a group of atoms is cooled to such an extent that they begin to occupy the same quantum state. This phenomenon is a result of quantum mechanics, where particles known as bosons – such as certain isotopes of rubidium or sodium – can exhibit collective behavior that is not observed in higher-temperature states.

At these extremely low temperatures, the thermal energy of the particles is reduced to a point where they can no longer be distinguished from one another, leading to the formation of a coherent "super-atom"-like state. This state exhibits unique properties, including superfluidity and the ability to flow without viscosity, which are fundamentally different from the behaviors observed in classical states of matter. Consequently, this highly novel state of matter represents a significant area of research in condensed matter physics.