Spin-Orbit Coupled Bose-Einstein Condensate under Rotation

TL;DR

This paper explores how Rashba spin-orbit coupling combined with rotation influences the structure and vortex patterns of trapped spinor Bose-Einstein condensates, revealing new vortex formations and lattice behaviors.

Contribution

It provides a detailed analysis of the effects of spin-orbit coupling and rotation on BECs, including the formation of half-quantum vortices, ring-like structures, and giant vortices, which are novel insights.

Findings

Support for half-quantum vortex formation.

Ring-like structures with stepwise domain number.

Triangular vortex lattice and giant vortices.

Abstract

We examine the combined effects of Rashba spin-orbit (SO) coupling and rotation on trapped spinor Bose-Einstein condensates (BECs). Nature of single particle states is thoroughly examined in the Landau level basis and is shown to support the formation of half-quantum vortex. In the presence of weak s-wave interactions, the ground state at strong SO coupling develops ring-like structures with domains whose number shows step behavior with increasing rotation. For fast rotation case, the vortex pattern favors triangular lattice, accompanied by the density depletion in the central region and weakened Skyrmionic character as the SO coupling is enhanced. Giant vortex formation is facilitated when SO coupling and rotation are both strong.