Physics – Condensed Matter – Quantum Gases
Scientific paper
2012-03-30
Physics
Condensed Matter
Quantum Gases
12 pages, 10 figures
Scientific paper
Since the experimental realization of synthetic gauge fields for neutral atoms, the simulation of topologically non-trivial phases of matter with ultracold atoms has become a major focus of cold atom experiments. However, several obvious differences exist between cold atom and solid state systems, for instance the finite size of the atomic cloud and the smooth confining potential. In this article we show that sharp boundaries are not required to realize quantum Hall or quantum spin Hall physics in optical lattices and, on the contrary, that edge states which belong to a smooth confinement exhibit additional interesting properties, such as spatially resolved splitting and merging of bulk bands and the emergence of robust auxiliary states in bulk gaps to preserve the topological quantum numbers. In addition, we numerically validate that these states are robust against disorder. Finally, we analyze possible detection methods, with a focus on Bragg spectroscopy, to demonstrate that the edge states can be detected and that Bragg spectroscopy can reveal how topological edge states are connected to the different bulk bands.
Buchhold Michael
Cocks Daniel
Hofstetter Walter
No associations
LandOfFree
Effects of Smooth Boundaries on Topological Edge Modes in Optical Lattices does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.
If you have personal experience with Effects of Smooth Boundaries on Topological Edge Modes in Optical Lattices, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Effects of Smooth Boundaries on Topological Edge Modes in Optical Lattices will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-654816