Dynamics of neutral atoms in artificial magnetic field

Y.-J. Lin, R. L. Compton, Karina Jiménez-García +2 more

Karina Jiménez-García

Yu‐Ju Lin

Ai‐Xia Zhang, Ying Zhang, Yan-Fang Jiang +3 more

We analytically and numerically discuss the stability and dynamics of neutral atoms in a two-dimensional optical lattice subjected to an additional harmonic trap potential and artificial magnetic field. The harmonic trap potential plays a key role in modifying the equilibrium state properties of the system and stabilizing the cyclotron orbits of the condensate. Meanwhile, the presence of the harmonic trap potential and lattice potential results in rich cyclotron dynamics of the condensate. The coupling effects of lattice potential, artificial magnetic field, and harmonic trap potential lead to single periodic, multi-periodic or quasi-periodic cyclotron orbits of the condensate. So we can control the cyclotron dynamics of neutral atoms in optical lattice by manipulating the strength of harmonic confinement, artificial magnetic field, and initial conditions. Our results provide a direct theoretical evidence for the cyclotron dynamics of neutral atoms in optical lattices exposed to the artificial gauge magnetic field and harmonic trap potential.

Ai‐Xia Zhang, Ju-Kui Xue

We theoretically study the cyclotron dynamics of ultra-cold atoms in optical lattices exposed to an artificial magnetic field. The cyclotron orbit and its stability are discussed both analytically and numerically. We find that the cyclotron dynamics of atoms in optical lattices can be manipulated by adjusting the strength of the magnetic field. Atoms can be coherently localized in its initial position, or can be trapped in a priori prescribed orbit doing coherent cyclotron motion, or can be decoherently diffused with time. The stability of the orbit and the coherence of the system present asymmetric characters. Our results provide a direct theoretical evidence for the cyclotron dynamics of neutral atoms in the artificial magnetic field.