Oscillation of the spin-currents of cold atoms on a ring due to light-induced spin-orbit coupling

TL;DR

This paper investigates the oscillation of spin-currents in cold atoms on a ring caused by light-induced spin-orbit coupling, providing analytical and numerical insights into controlling these oscillations and predicting new phenomena like movable stripes.

Contribution

The study offers a combined analytical and numerical analysis of spin-current oscillations in cold atoms with spin-orbit coupling, including control mechanisms and novel pattern predictions.

Findings

Oscillating persistent spin-currents are observed.

Derived formulae describe oscillation period and amplitude.

Control of oscillations via laser parameters is demonstrated.

Abstract

The evolution of two-component cold atoms on a ring with spin-orbit coupling has been studied analytically for the case with N noninteracting particles. Then, the effect of interaction is evaluated numerically via a two-body system. Two cases are considered: (i) Starting from a ground state the evolution is induced by a sudden change of the laser field, and (ii) Starting from a superposition state. Oscillating persistent spin-currents have been found. A set of formulae have been derived to describe the period and amplitude of the oscillation. Based on these formulae the oscillation can be well controlled via adjusting the parameters of the laser beams. In particular, it is predicted that movable stripes might emerge on the ring.