Discrete symmetries and 1/3-quantum vortices in condensates of F=2 cold atoms

TL;DR

This paper investigates the discrete symmetries in F=2 cold atom condensates, revealing the existence of unconventional quantum vortices, including 1/3-quantum vortices, due to cyclic symmetries.

Contribution

It identifies how discrete quaternion and cyclic symmetries lead to novel spin defects and fractional quantum vortices in F=2 cold atom condensates.

Findings

Quaternion symmetries produce two types of spin defects.

Cyclic symmetries cause phase shifts leading to 1/3- and 2/3-quantum vortices.

Discussion of 1/3-quantum vortices in trimer condensates.

Abstract

In this Letter we study discrete symmetries of mean field manifolds of condensates of F=2 cold atoms, and various unconventional quantum vortices. Discrete quaternion symmetries result in two species of spin defects that can only appear in integer vortices while {\em cyclic} symmetries are found to result in a phase shift of $2\pi/3$ (or $4\pi/3$) and therefore 1/3- (or 2/3-) quantum vortices in condensates. We also briefly discuss 1/3-quantum vortices in condensates of trimers.