Spin-Orbit Coupling and Spin Textures in Optical Superlattices
Jun-Ru Li, Wujie Huang, Boris Shteynas +6 more
We propose and demonstrate a new approach for realizing spin-orbit coupling with ultracold atoms. We use orbital levels in a double-well potential as pseudospin states. Two-photon Raman transitions between left and right wells induce spin-orbit coupling. This scheme does not require near resonant light, features adjustable interactions by shaping the double-well potential, and does not depend on special properties of the atoms. A pseudospinor Bose-Einstein condensate spontaneously acquires an antiferromagnetic pseudospin texture, which breaks the lattice symmetry similar to a supersolid.
arXiv:1606.03514•Physical Review Letters•Oct 27, 2016•108 citations