Spin-orbit coupling and spin Hall effect for neutral atoms without spin-flips

TL;DR

This paper introduces a method to realize spin-orbit coupling and the spin Hall effect in neutral atoms within optical lattices, avoiding near-resonant laser coupling by using laser recoil and magnetic field gradients.

Contribution

It presents a novel scheme for inducing spin-orbit interactions in neutral atoms without relying on resonant laser coupling, using magnetic gradients or optical superlattices.

Findings

Achieves spin-orbit coupling without spin-flips

Utilizes laser recoil and magnetic field gradients

Proposes all-optical quantum spin Hamiltonian

Abstract

We propose a scheme which realizes spin-orbit coupling and the spin Hall effect for neutral atoms in optical lattices without relying on near resonant laser light to couple different spin states. The spin-orbit coupling is created by modifying the motion of atoms in a spin-dependent way by laser recoil. The spin selectivity is provided by Zeeman shifts created with a magnetic field gradient. Alternatively, a quantum spin Hamiltonian can be created by all-optical means using a period- tripling, spin-dependent superlattice.