Transfer and storage of vortex states in light and matter waves

TL;DR

This paper investigates how vortex states can be transferred and stored between light and matter waves using ultra-slow light techniques in Bose-Einstein condensates, demonstrating robust storage and vortex transfer.

Contribution

It introduces a method for transferring vortex states between atomic condensates and optical pulses, and shows long-term storage of optical vortex states in atomic superfluids.

Findings

Optical vortices can be generated from rotating condensates.

Vortex states can be stored in atomic superfluids for over 100 ms.

The process enables transfer of vortex states between light and matter.

Abstract

We theoretically explore the transfer of vortex states between atomic Bose-Einstein condensates and optical pulses using ultra-slow and stopped light techniques. We find shining a coupling laser on a rotating two-component ground state condensate with a vortex lattice generates a probe laser field with optical vortices. We also find that optical vortex states can be robustly stored in the atomic superfluids for long times (>100 ms).