Topological Quantum Matter with Ultracold Gases in Optical Lattices

TL;DR

This paper reviews how ultracold gases in optical lattices can be used to create and study topological quantum phases, offering a highly tunable platform for exploring exotic states of matter.

Contribution

It provides a comprehensive overview of the tools, theoretical frameworks, and experimental progress in realizing topological phases with ultracold atoms.

Findings

Survey of existing methods for creating topological states

Summary of recent experimental achievements

Discussion of future prospects for strongly correlated topological phases

Abstract

Since the discovery of topological insulators, many topological phases have been predicted and realized in a range of different systems, providing both fascinating physics and exciting opportunities for devices. And although new materials are being developed and explored all the time, the prospects for probing exotic topological phases would be greatly enhanced if they could be realized in systems that were easily tuned. The flexibility offered by ultracold atoms could provide such a platform. Here, we review the tools available for creating topological states using ultracold atoms in optical lattices, give an overview of the theoretical and experimental advances and provide an outlook towards realizing strongly correlated topological phases.