Realising Type II Weyl Points in an Optical Lattice

TL;DR

This paper proposes a method to realize Type II Weyl points in an optical lattice using ultra-cold atoms, enabling experimental exploration of their unique topological properties and open Fermi surfaces.

Contribution

It introduces a generalized two-level system with complex tunneling in a 3D optical lattice to realize Type II Weyl points, facilitating experimental studies.

Findings

Design of a 3D optical lattice with complex phase tunneling

Proposal to observe open Fermi surfaces and Fermi arcs

Enabling tunable Weyl physics in cold atom systems

Abstract

The recent discovery of the Lorentz symmetry-violating 'Type II' Weyl semimetal phase has renewed interest in the study of Weyl physics in condensed matter systems. However, tuning the exceptional properties of this novel state has remained a challenge. Optical lattices, created using standing laser beams, provide a convenient platform to tune tunnelling parameters continuously in time. In this paper, we propose a generalised two level system exhibiting type II Weyl points that can be realised using ultra-cold atoms in an optical lattice. The system is engineered using a three-dimensional lattice with complex $\pi$ phase tunnelling amplitudes. Various unique properties of the type II Weyl semimetal such as open Fermi surface, anomalous chirality and topological Fermi arcs can be probed using the proposed optical lattice scheme.