Semi-discrete quantum droplets and vortices

We consider a binary bosonic condensate with weak mean-field (MF) repulsion, loaded in an array of nearly one-dimensional traps coupled by transverse hopping. With the MF force balanced by the effectively one-dimensional attraction, induced in each trap by the Lee-Hung-Yang correction (a result of quantum fluctuations around the MF state), stable semi-discrete quantum droplets (QDs) emerge in the array, as fundamental ones and vortex QDs, with winding numbers, at least, up to 5, in both tight-binding and quasi-continuous forms. The results provide the first realization of stable semi-discrete vortex solitons, including ones with multiple vorticity.