Critical velocity for superfluidity in the one-dimensional mean-field regime: From matter to light quantum fluids

Abstract: We determine in a nonperturbative way the critical velocity for superfluidity of a generic quantum fluid flowing past a localized obstacle in the one-dimensional mean-field regime. We get exact expressions in the narrow- and wide-obstacle limits and interpolate them numerically using an original relaxation algorithm for the stationary problem. The existence of a Josephson-type critical current across a very high and slowly varying obstacle is discussed. Particle losses, if present, are treated within an adiabatic approach of the dynamics giving results in excellent agreement with full numerics. Relevant for experiments with quantum fluids of matter, of mixed matter-light, and of light, our study paves the way for further nonperturbative investigations in higher dimensions and beyond mean-field theory.