Three-dimensional matter-wave vortices in optical lattices

TL;DR

This paper predicts and numerically demonstrates the existence of various stable three-dimensional vortex states in a Bose-Einstein condensate confined by an optical lattice, expanding understanding of quantum vortex structures.

Contribution

It introduces new types of 3D vortex states in BECs within optical lattices and shows their robustness and experimental observability.

Findings

Multiple stable 3D vortex structures identified

Numerical simulations confirm robustness of vortex states

Potential for experimental realization demonstrated

Abstract

We predict the existence of spatially localized nontrivial vortex states of a Bose-Einstein condensate with repulsive atomic interaction confined by a three-dimensional optical lattice. Such vortex-like structures include planar vortices, their co- and counter-rotating bound states, and distinctly three-dimensional non-planar vortex states. We demonstrate numerically that many of these vortex structures are remarkably robust, and therefore can be generated and observed in experiment.