Quantum emulation of topological magneto-optical effects using ultracold atoms

TL;DR

This paper proposes a novel quantum emulation scheme using ultracold atoms to simulate topological magneto-optical effects, revealing a new mechanism linked to bulk topology in synthetic dimensions.

Contribution

It introduces a new method to emulate magneto-optical effects in ultracold atoms, connecting the effect to topological properties in synthetic dimensions, which has not been previously demonstrated.

Findings

Magneto-optical rotation relates to bulk topology in synthetic dimensions.

The scheme is feasible with current experimental techniques.

It provides a platform for exploring topological magneto-optical phenomena.

Abstract

Magneto-optical effect is a fundamental but broad concept in magnetic mediums. Here we propose a scheme for its quantum emulation using ultracold atoms. By representing the light-medium interaction in the quantum-emulation manner, the artificial magneto-optical effect emerges under an entirely different mechanism from the conventional picture. The underlying polarization state extracted in the synthetic dimension displays a different response to various experimental setups. Notably, the magneto-optical rotation is related to the bulk topology in synthetic dimensions, and thus provides an unambiguous evidence for the desired topological magneto-optical effect, which has not been developed hitherto in ultracold atoms. This scheme is simple and feasible, and can be realized by current experimental techniques. The implementation of the scheme is able to offer an intriguing platform for exploring topological magneto-optical effects and associated physics.