Critical frequency for vortex nucleation in Bose-Fermi mixtures in optical lattices

TL;DR

This study explores how a one-dimensional optical lattice and degenerate fermions influence the critical rotation frequency needed to create vortices in a Bose-Einstein condensate, with implications for experimental observation.

Contribution

It provides a mean-field analysis of vortex nucleation in Bose-Fermi mixtures within optical lattices, highlighting the impact of lattice strength on critical frequency and stability.

Findings

Critical frequency decreases with increasing laser intensity.

Optical lattice parameters can be tuned for experimental observation.

Analysis of stability in Bose-Fermi mixtures with optical lattices.

Abstract

We investigate within mean-field theory the influence of a one-dimensional optical lattice and of trapped degenerate fermions on the critical rotational frequency for vortex line creation in a Bose-Einstein condensate. We consider laser intensities of the lattice such that quantum coherence across the condensate is ensured. We find a sizable decrease of the thermodynamic critical frequency for vortex nucleation with increasing applied laser strength and suggest suitable parameters for experimental observation. Since 87Rb-40K mixtures may undergo collapse, we analyze the related question of how the optical lattice affects the mechanical stability of the system.