Optical Lattice Potential Research Articles

Quantum distillation and confinement of vacancies in a doublon sea

Ultracold atomic gases have revolutionized the study of non-equilibrium dynamics in quantum many-body systems. Many counterintuitive non-equilibrium effects have been observed, such as suppressed thermalization in a one-dimensional (1D) gas1, the formation of repulsive self-bound dimers2, and identical behaviours for attractive and repulsive interactions3. Here, we observe the expansion of a bundle of ultracold 1D Bose gases in a flat-bottomed optical lattice potential. By combining in situ measurements with photoassociation4,5, we follow the spatial dynamics of singly, doubly and triply occupied lattice sites. The system sheds interaction energy by dissolving some doublons and triplons. Some singlons quantum distil out of the doublon centre6,7, whereas others remain confined7. Our Gutzwiller mean-field model captures these experimental features in a physically clear way. These experiments might be used to study thermalization in systems with particle losses8, the evolution of quantum entanglement9,10 or, if applied to fermions, to prepare very low entropy states6.

Discrete and continuum composite solitons in Bose-Einstein condensates with the Rashba spin-orbit coupling in one and two dimensions.

We introduce one- and two-dimensional (1D and 2D) continuum and discrete models for the two-component BEC, with the spin-orbit (SO) coupling of the Rashba type between the components, and attractive cubic interactions, assuming that the condensate is fragmented into a quasidiscrete state by a deep optical-lattice potential. In 1D, it is demonstrated, in analytical and numerical forms, that the ground states of both the discrete system and its continuum counterpart switch from striped bright solitons, featuring deep short-wave modulations of its profile, to smooth solitons, as the strength ratio of the inter- and intracomponent attraction, γ, changes from γ<1 to γ>1. At the borderline, γ=1, there is a continuous branch of stable solitons, which share a common value of the energy and interpolate between the striped and smooth ones. Unlike the 2D system, the 1D solitons, which do not represent the ground state at given γ, are nevertheless stable against small perturbations, and they remain stable too in collisions with other solitons. In 2D, a transition between two different types of discrete solitons, which represent the ground state, viz., semivortices and mixed modes, also takes place at γ=1. A specific property of 2D discrete solitons of both types is their discontinuous transition into a delocalized state at a critical value of the SO-coupling strength. We also address the continuum 2D model in the borderline case of γ=1, which was not studied previously, and demonstrate the existence of an energy-degenerate branch of dynamically stable solitons connecting the semivortex and the mixed mode. Last, it is demonstrated that 1D and 2D discrete solitons are mobile, in a limited interval of velocities.

Quantum Spin-Ice and Dimer Models with Rydberg Atoms

Quantum ice, an archetype of frustrated systems, exhibits links between spin physics and electromagnetism. A numerical investigation show how quantum ice dynamics can be realized in ensembles of ultracold Rydberg atoms in optical lattice potentials.

Modulational and oscillatory instabilities of Bose–Einstein condensates with two- and three-body interactions trapped in an optical lattice potential

Abstract We explain how the modulational and oscillatory instabilities can be generated in Bose–Einstein condensates (BECs) with two- and three-body interactions trapped in a periodic optical lattice with driving harmonic potential. We solve a cubic–quintic Gross–Pitaevskii (GP) equation with external trapping potentials by using both analytical and numerical methods. Using the time-dependent variational approach, we derive and analyze the variational equations for the time evolution of the amplitude and phase of modulational perturbation, and effective potential of the system. Through the effective potential, we obtain the modulational instability condition of the BECs with two- and three-body interactions and shown the effects of the optical potential on the dynamics of the system. We perform direct numerical simulations to support our analytical results, and good agreement is observed.

Quasi-periodic Wannier–Stark ladders from driven atomic Bloch oscillations

Periodic Wannier–Stark ladder structures of the energy resonances associated with Bloch oscillations can be readily modified into quasi-periodic ones that exhibit peculiar self-similar effects. A compact theoretical description of the dynamics of driven Bloch oscillations is developed here within the quasi-momentum representation. We identify a rather viable scheme based on ultracold atomic wavepackets subject to gravity in a driven optical lattice potential where a self-similar scaling could be observed. Its feasibility in terms of realistic experimental parameters is also discussed.

Effect of optical lattice potentials on the vortices in rotating dipolar Bose-Einstein condensates

We study the interplay of dipole-dipole interaction and optical lattice (OL) potential of varying depths on the formation and dynamics of vortices in rotating dipolar Bose-Einstein condensates. By numerically solving the time-dependent quasi-two dimensional Gross-Pitaevskii equation, we analyse the consequence of dipole-dipole interaction on vortex nucleation, vortex structure, critical rotation frequency and number of vortices for a range of OL depths. Rapid creation of vortices has been observed due to supplementary symmetry breaking provided by the OL in addition to the dipolar interaction. Also the critical rotation frequency decreases with an increase in the depth of the OL. Further, at lower rotation frequencies the number of vortices increases on increasing the depth of OL while it decreases at higher rotation frequencies. This variation in the number of vortices has been confirmed by calculating the rms radius, which shrinks in deep optical lattice at higher rotation frequencies.

Spin-orbit-coupled Bose-Einstein condensates in a cavity: Route to magnetic phases through cavity transmission

We study the spin orbit coupled ultra cold Bose-Einstein condensate placed in a single mode Fabry-P\'erot cavity. The cavity introduces a quantum optical lattice potential which dynamically couples with the atomic degrees of freedom and realizes a generalized extended Bose Hubbard model whose zero temperature phase diagram can be controlled by tuning the cavity parameters. In the non-interacting limit, where the atom-atom interaction is set to zero, the resulting atomic dispersion shows interesting features such as bosonic analogue of Dirac points, cavity controlled Hofstadter spectrum which bears the hallmark of pseudo-spin-1/2 bosons in presence of Abelian and non-Abelian gauge field (the later due to spin-orbit coupling) in a cavity induced optical lattice potential. In the presence of atom-atom interaction, using a mapping to a generalized Bose Hubbard model of spin-orbit coupled bosons in classical optical lattice, we show that the system realizes a host of quantum magnetic phases whose magnetic order can be be detected from the cavity transmission. This provides an alternative approach for detecting quantum magnetism in ultra cold atoms. We discuss the effect of cavity induced optical bistability on this phases and their experimental consequences.

Simulation of non-Abelian lattice gauge fields with a single-component gas

We show that non-Abelian lattice gauge fields can be simulated with a single-component ultra-cold atomic gas in an optical-lattice potential. An optical lattice can be viewed as a Bravais lattice with a N-point basis. An atom located at different points of the basis can be considered as a particle in different internal states. The appropriate engineering of tunneling amplitudes of atoms in an optical lattice allows one to realize U(N) gauge potentials and control a mass of particles that experience such non-Abelian gauge fields. We provide and analyze a concrete example of an optical-lattice configuration that allows for simulation of a static U(2) gauge model with a constant Wilson loop and an adjustable mass of particles. In particular, we observe that the non-zero mass creates large conductive gaps in the energy spectrum, which could be important in the experimental detection of the transverse Hall conductivity.

Localization of a spin-orbit-coupled Bose-Einstein condensate in a bichromatic optical lattice

We study the localization of a noninteracting and weakly interacting Bose-Einstein condensate with spin-orbit coupling loaded in a quasiperiodic bichromatic optical lattice potential using the numerical solution and variational approximation of a binary mean-field Gross-Pitaevskii equation with two pseudo-spin components. We confirm the existence of the stationary localized states in the presence of the spin-orbit and Rabi couplings for an equal distribution of atoms in the two components. We find that the interaction between the spin-orbit and Rabi couplings favors the localization or delocalization of the BEC depending on the the phase difference between the components. We also studied the oscillation dynamics of the localized states for an initial population imbalance between the two components.

Numerical studies on vortices in rotating dipolar Bose-Einstein condensates

We study the formation and dynamics of vortices in quasi two-dimensional dipolar Bose-Einstein condensates (BECs). We solve the time dependent two-dimensional Gross-Pitaevskii equation by using a combined split-step Crank-Nicolson (SSCN) and Fast Fourier-Transform (FFT) based numerical scheme and investigate the vortex dynamics in dipolar BECs trapped with harmonic and optical lattice potentials. The consequence of dipole-dipole interaction on vortex nucleation and number of vortices has been analysed. We observe that the breaking of symmetry due to anisotropic dipolar interaction enormously increase the speed of creation of vortices.

Optical spectral imaging of a single layer of a quantum gas with an ultranarrow optical transition

We demonstrated high-sensitivity optical spectral imaging of a single layer of a quantum gas of ytterbium atoms in a two-dimensional optical lattice using the ultranarrow ${}^{1}{S}_{0}$-${}^{3}{P}_{2}$ transition. We successfully obtained a set of excitation-frequency-dependent fluorescence images with an excitation laser of the linewidth of 1 kHz (FWHM), and the overall features were well explained by considering the inhomogeneous light shift originating from the Gaussian beam shape of the optical lattice potential which provided the steepest potential gradient of 3.6 kHz/$\ensuremath{\mu}$m. This result is also the successful demonstration of the tunable local atom addressing along the equipotential contour depending on the excitation laser frequency with the frequency resolution of 8 kHz and the spatial resolution of approximately 2 $\ensuremath{\mu}$m. The demonstrated technique will be useful for many purposes including the measurement of interaction shift in the study of a quantum gas and quantum information processing.

Superfluid qubit systems with ring shaped optical lattices

We study an experimentally feasible qubit system employing neutral atomic currents. Our system is based on bosonic cold atoms trapped in ring-shaped optical lattice potentials. The lattice makes the system strictly one dimensional and it provides the infrastructure to realize a tunable ring-ring interaction. Our implementation combines the low decoherence rates of neutral cold atoms systems, overcoming single site addressing, with the robustness of topologically protected solid state Josephson flux qubits. Characteristic fluctuations in the magnetic fields affecting Josephson junction based flux qubits are expected to be minimized employing neutral atoms as flux carriers. By breaking the Galilean invariance we demonstrate how atomic currents through the lattice provide an implementation of a qubit. This is realized either by artificially creating a phase slip in a single ring, or by tunnel coupling of two homogeneous ring lattices. The single qubit infrastructure is experimentally investigated with tailored optical potentials. Indeed, we have experimentally realized scaled ring-lattice potentials that could host, in principle, n ~ 10 of such ring-qubits, arranged in a stack configuration, along the laser beam propagation axis. An experimentally viable scheme of the two-ring-qubit is discussed, as well. Based on our analysis, we provide protocols to initialize, address, and read-out the qubit.

One- and two-qubit quantum gates using superimposed optical-lattice potentials

Steps towards implementing a collision based two-qubit gate in optical lattices have previously been realized by the parallel merging all pairs of atoms in a periodicity two superlattice. In contrast, we propose an architecture which allows for the merger of a selected qubit pair in a novel long-periodicity superlattice structure consisting of two optical lattices with close-lying periodicity. We numerically optimize the gate time and fidelity, including the effects on neighboring atoms, and in the presence of experimental sources of error. Furthermore, the superlattice architecture induces a differential hyperfine shift, allowing for single-qubit gates. The fastest possible single-qubit gate times, given a maximal tolerable rotation error on the remaining atoms at various values of the lattice wavelengths, are identified. We find that robust single- and two-qubit gates with gate times of a few 100~$\mu$s and with error probabilities $\sim{}10^{-3}$ are possible.

Veselago lensing with ultracold atoms in an optical lattice

Veselago pointed out that electromagnetic wave theory allows for materials with a negative index of refraction, in which most known optical phenomena would be reversed. A slab of such a material can focus light by negative refraction, an imaging technique strikingly different from conventional positive refractive index optics, where curved surfaces bend the rays to form an image of an object. Here we demonstrate Veselago lensing for matter waves, using ultracold atoms in an optical lattice. A relativistic, that is, photon-like, dispersion relation for rubidium atoms is realized with a bichromatic optical lattice potential. We rely on a Raman π-pulse technique to transfer atoms between two different branches of the dispersion relation, resulting in a focusing that is completely analogous to the effect described by Veselago for light waves. Future prospects of the demonstrated effects include novel sub-de Broglie wavelength imaging applications.

Condensate Phase Microscopy

We show that the phase of a Bose-Einstein condensate wave function of ultracold atoms in an optical lattice potential in two dimensions can be detected. The time-of-flight images, obtained in a free expansion of initially trapped atoms, are related to the initial distribution of atomic momenta but the information on the phase is lost. However, the initial atomic cloud is bounded and this information, in addition to the time-of-flight images, is sufficient in order to employ the phase retrieval algorithms. We analyze the phase retrieval methods for model wave functions in a case of a Bose-Einstein condensate in a triangular optical lattice in the presence of artificial gauge fields.

Identifying insulating states of ultra cold atoms with cavity transmission spectrum

In this paper, we consider the transmission characteristics of an optical cavity loaded with ultracold atoms in a one-dimensional optical lattice at absolute zero temperature. In particular, we consider the situation when the many body quantum state of the ultracold atoms is an insulating state with a fixed number of atoms at each site, which can either be density wave or Mott insulator phase, each showing a different type of discrete lattice translational symmetry. We provide a general framework of understanding the transmission spectrum from a single and two cavities/modes loaded with such insulating phases. Further, we also discuss how such a transmission spectrum changes when these insulating phases make a cross over to the superfluid phase with the changing depth of the optical lattice potential.

Thermodynamic properties of a rotating Bose--Einstein condensation in a deep optical lattice

In this paper, we suggest a conventional semiclassical approximation to calculate several thermodynamic quantities of a rotating Bose-Einstein condensation in a deep optical lattice. Expressions for the condensation fraction, critical temperature, and heat capacity are derived analytically. These expressions are obtained by considering the standard harmonic approximation of the deep optical lattice potential. The suggested approach is able to include the the finite size and the positive chemical potential effects simultaneously. The advantage of our suggested approach is in its simplicity, in comparison to the quantum-mechanical calculations (Bose-Hubbard model). Moreover, its generality allows the treatment of a finite temperature regime

Negative specific heat with trapped ultracold quantum gases

The second law of thermodynamics normally prescribes that heat tends to disperse, but in certain cases it instead implies that heat will spontaneously concentrate. The spontaneous formation of stars out of cold cosmic nebulae, without which the universe would be dark and dead, is an example of this phenomenon. Here we show that the counter-intuitive thermodynamics of spontaneous heat concentration can be studied experimentally with trapped quantum gases, by using optical lattice potentials to realize weakly coupled arrays of simple dynamical subsystems, so that under the standard assumptions of statistical mechanics, the behavior of the whole system can be predicted from ensemble properties of the isolated components. A naive application of the standard statistical mechanical formalism then identifies the subsystem excitations as heat in this case, but predicts them to share the peculiar property of self-gravitating protostars, of having negative micro-canonical specific heat. Numerical solution of real-time evolution equations confirms the spontaneous concentration of heat in such arrays, with initially dispersed energy condensing quickly into dense ‘droplets’. Analysis of the nonlinear dynamics in adiabatic terms allows it to be related to familiar modulational instabilities. The model thus provides an example of a dictionary mesoscopic system, in which the same non-trivial phenomenon can be understood in both thermodynamical and mechanical terms.

Lattice solitons with quadrupolar intersite interactions

We study two-dimensional (2D) solitons in the mean-field models of ultracold gases with long-range quadrupole-quadrupole interaction (QQI) between particles. The condensate is loaded into a deep optical-lattice (OL) potential, therefore the model is based on the 2D discrete nonlinear Schr\"odinger equation with contact on site and long-range intersite interactions, which represent the QQI. The quadrupoles are built as pairs of electric dipoles and antidipoles orientated perpendicular to the 2D plane to which the gas is confined. Because the quadrupoles interact with the local gradient of the external field, they are polarized by an inhomogeneous dc electric field that may be supplied by a tapered capacitor. Shapes, stability, mobility, and collisions of fundamental discrete solitons are studied by means of systematic simulations. In particular, threshold values of the norm, which are necessary for the existence of the solitons, are found and anisotropy of their static and dynamical properties is explored. As concerns the mobility and collisions, we analyze such properties for discrete solitons on 2D lattices with long-range intersite interactions. Estimates demonstrate that the setting can be realized under experimentally available conditions, predicting solitons built of $\ensuremath{\sim}10\phantom{\rule{0.16em}{0ex}}000$ particles.

PT symmetry via electromagnetically induced transparency

We propose a scheme to realize parity-time (PT) symmetry via electromagnetically induced transparency (EIT). The system we consider is an ensemble of cold four-level atoms with an EIT core. We show that the cross-phase modulation contributed by an assisted field, the optical lattice potential provided by a far-detuned laser field, and the optical gain resulted from an incoherent pumping can be used to construct a PT-symmetric complex optical potential for probe field propagation in a controllable way. Comparing with previous study, the present scheme uses only a single atomic species and hence is easy for the physical realization of PT-symmetric Hamiltonian via atomic coherence.