Driven optical lattices as strong-field simulators

TL;DR

This paper demonstrates that ultracold atoms in strongly shaken optical lattices can simulate strong-field phenomena in solids, enabling the study of nonperturbative multiphoton-like resonances without secondary polarization effects.

Contribution

It introduces a new approach using driven optical lattices to emulate strong-field effects in crystalline solids, avoiding complications from secondary polarization.

Findings

Observation of multiphoton-like resonances in shaken optical lattices

Detection methods compatible with current laboratory techniques

Simulation of electron behavior in laser-irradiated solids

Abstract

We argue that ultracold atoms in strongly shaken optical lattices can be subjected to conditions similar to those experienced by electrons in laser-irradiated crystalline solids, but without introducing secondary polarization effects. As a consequence one can induce nonperturbative multiphoton-like resonances due to the mutual penetration of ac-Stark-shifted Bloch bands. These phenomena can be detected with a combination of currently available laboratory techniques.