A cavity-QED toolbox for quantum magnetism.
Farokh Mivehvar, Helmut Ritsch, Francesco Piazza
Abstract
The recent experimental observation of spinor self-ordering of ultracold atoms in optical resonators has set the stage for the exploration of emergent magnetic orders in quantum-gas$-$cavity systems. Based on this platform, we introduce a generic scheme for the implementation of quantum spin Hamiltonians composed of various kinds of couplings, including Heisenberg and Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya interactions. These interactions with spatially modulated coupling coefficients are mediated by cavity photons. Specifically, our model is comprised of a two-component Bose-Einstein condensate, driven by two classical pump lasers and coupled to a single dynamic mode of a linear cavity in a double $\Lambda$ scheme. We exemplify the emergence of an achiral antiferromagnetic domain-wall phase and a chiral spin-spiral order beyond critical laser strengths. The transition between these two phases can be observed in a single experimental setup by tuning the reflectivity of a mirror. We also discuss straightforward extensions of our scheme for the implementation of other classes of spin Hamiltonians.