High Controllable and Robust 2D Spin-Orbit Coupling for Quantum Gases

TL;DR

This paper demonstrates a highly controllable and robust 2D spin-orbit coupling in quantum gases with topological properties, enabling new explorations in quantum many-body physics and non-equilibrium dynamics.

Contribution

It introduces a new method to realize 2D spin-orbit coupling with topological features using a phase-tunable Raman lattice, enhancing control and stability.

Findings

Achieved a lifetime of several seconds for 2D SO coupled Bose-Einstein condensates.

Enlarged topological regions due to symmetric Raman lattice structure.

Enabled exploration of exotic quantum effects with improved control.

Abstract

We report the realization of a robust and highly controllable two-dimensional (2D) spin-orbit (SO) coupling with topological non-trivial band structure. By applying a retro-reflected 2D optical lattice, phase tunable Raman couplings are formed into the anti-symmetric Raman lattice structure, and generate the 2D SO coupling with precise inversion and $C_4$ symmetries, leading to considerably enlarged topological regions. The life time of the 2D SO coupled Bose-Einstein condensate reaches several seconds, which enables the exploring of fine tuning interaction effects. These essential advantages of the present new realization open the door to explore exotic quantum many-body effects and non-equilibrium dynamics with novel topology.