Exotic 3D Spin-Orbit Couplings

ORAL

Abstract

We describe a scheme for creating an isotropic three-dimensional spin-orbit coupling, dubbed Weyl spin-orbit coupling, in systems of ultracold atoms. This coupling is induced by Raman transitions that link four internal atomic states with a tetrahedral geometry. This spin-orbit coupling gives rise to a Dirac point that is robust against environmental perturbations. We then propose a general procedure for generating exotic three-dimensional spin-orbit couplings with degenerate ground states on more complex manifolds. The procedure is applied to produce a spin-orbit coupling with a toroidal ground state manifold. Finally, we discuss the many-body implications of the exotic spin-orbit couplings.

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Authors

  • Brandon Anderson

    • JQI, NIST and the University of Maryland

  • Gediminas Juzeliunas

    • Institute of Theoretical Physics and Astronomy and Vilnius University

  • Ian Spielman

    • JQI, NIST and the University of Maryland

  • Victor Galitski

    • University of Maryland
    • University of Maryland, College Park
    • Joint Quantum Institute, University of Maryland, College Park
    • JQI, UMD
    • Joint Quantum Institute and Physics Department, University of Maryland
    • JQI, NIST and the University of Maryland