A Quasicrystal for Quantum SimulationsExperimentalists realize a Bose-Einstein condensate on a 2D quasicrystal optical lattice, opening the path for simulations of a variety of quantum many-body phenomena in these fractal structures.
We analyze the physics of Bose-Einstein condensates confined in two dimensional (2D) quasiperiodic optical lattices, which offer an intermediate situation between ordered and disordered systems. First, we analyze the time-of-flight interference pattern that reveals quasiperiodic long-range order. Second, we demonstrate localization effects associated with quasidisorder as well as quasiperiodic Bloch oscillations associated with the extended nature of the wave function of a Bose-Einstein condensate in an optical quasicrystal. In addition, we discuss in detail the crossover between diffusive and localized regimes when the quasiperiodic potential is switched on, as well as the effects of interactions.
Quasicrystals are long-range ordered and yet non-periodic. This interplay results in a wealth of intriguing physical phenomena, such as self-similarity, the inheritance of topological properties from higher dimensions, and the presence of non-trivial structure on all lengthscales. However, quasicrystalline materials are notoriously hard to synthesise, as defects and impurities may greatly alter their final microscopic composition. The field of quantum simulation with ultracold atoms offers a solution to this problem, namely the use of optical lattices – standing waves of light. Optical lattices are free of impurities and therefore ideally suited to study quasicrystals, enabling unprecedented access to observables that are unattainable in condensed matter systems. This study presents the first experimental realisation of a two-dimensional quasicrystalline potential for ultracold atoms, based on an eightfold symmetric optical lattice. Features pertaining to both ordered and disordered phases are observed, from sharp diffraction peaks in the matter-wave interference pattern, to a disorder-induced localised phase emerging at a critical lattice depth V_loc ~ 1.78 E_rec. The localised phase seems to be resilient against moderate interactions, which would make this the first experimental realisation of a 2D Bose glass.