Parity-time-symmetric optical lattice with alternating gain and loss atomic configurations

TL;DR

This paper experimentally demonstrates a spatially periodic PT-symmetric optical lattice using alternating gain and loss in atomic media, offering a more accessible and tunable platform for exploring non-Hermitian physics.

Contribution

It introduces a novel method to realize PT-symmetric optical lattices with atomic media, avoiding the need for discrete diffraction and enabling easier experimental implementation.

Findings

Successful construction of a PT-symmetric optical lattice in atomic media.

Measurement of phase differences confirms PT symmetry.

Enhanced tunability and accessibility of the optical lattice.

Abstract

Since the spatially extended periodic parity-time (PT) symmetric potential can possess certain unique properties compared to a single PT cell (with only a pair of coupled gain-loss components), various schemes have been proposed to realize periodic PT-symmetric potentials based on optical lattices. Here, we experimentally construct a spatially periodic PT-symmetric optical potential based on gain-loss arrays induced in a coherently-prepared atomic medium. The gain and loss arrays are generated in alternating four-level N-type and three-level $\Lambda$-type configurations in the same atomic medium, respectively, which do not require discrete diffractions as demonstrated in the previous work [Phys. Rev. Lett. 117, 123601(2016)] and can be easier to realize with more relaxed operating conditions. The dynamical behaviors of the system are investigated by measuring the phase difference between two adjacent gain and loss channels. The demonstrated PT-symmetric optical lattice with easy accessibility and better tunability sets a new stage for further exploiting the peculiar physical properties in periodic non-Hermitian systems.