An atom optics approach to studying lattice transport phenomena

TL;DR

This paper introduces a versatile atom optics experimental scheme for simulating and studying single particle quantum transport phenomena in lattice models with high control and detection capabilities.

Contribution

It presents a novel, simple method using standard atom optics to realize and control lattice transport models with site-resolved detection and parameter tunability.

Findings

Enables simulation of arbitrary single particle Abelian U(1) lattice models.

Allows for site-resolved detection and dynamical control.

Facilitates study of non-Abelian U(2) lattice models.

Abstract

We present a simple experimental scheme, based on standard atom optics techniques, to design highly versatile model systems for the study of single particle quantum transport phenomena. The scheme is based on a discrete set of free-particle momentum states that are coupled via momentum-changing two-photon Bragg transitions, driven by pairs of interfering laser beams. In the effective lattice models that are accessible, this scheme allows for single-site detection, as well as site-resolved and dynamical control over all system parameters. We discuss two possible implementations, based on state-preserving Bragg transitions and on state-changing Raman transitions, which respectively allow for the study of nearly arbitrary single particle Abelian U(1) and non-Abelian U(2) lattice models.