Quantum vortices in optical lattices

TL;DR

This paper explores the quantum behavior of vortices in superfluid gases within optical lattices, highlighting measurable effects like vortex mass and pinning through Bragg spectroscopy.

Contribution

It introduces the concept of vortices as massive quantum particles in optical lattices and proposes experimental methods to measure their properties.

Findings

Vortex excitation affects the dynamic response of the lattice.

Bragg spectroscopy can measure vortex mass and pinning.

Dissipative damping influences vortex motion.

Abstract

A vortex in a superfluid gas inside an optical lattice can behave as a massive particle moving in a periodic potential and exhibiting quantum properties. In this Letter we discuss these properties and show that the excitation of vortex motions in a two-dimensional lattice can lead to striking measurable changes in its dynamic response. It would be possible by means of Bragg spectroscopy to carry out the first direct measurement of the effective vortex mass, the pinning to the underlying lattice, and the dissipative damping.