On the feasibility of studying vortex noise in 2D superconductors with cold atoms

TL;DR

This paper explores using ultracold atoms near 2D superconductors to study vortex noise, focusing on the feasibility of measuring magnetic fluctuations and vortex dynamics close to the Kosterlitz-Thouless transition.

Contribution

It demonstrates the potential of ultracold atoms as sensitive probes for vortex noise in 2D superconductors near critical temperature.

Findings

Long observation times achievable via T1 relaxation adjustments

T2 coherence times are suitable for vortex noise detection

Proposed atom cloud motion monitoring for vortex dynamics

Abstract

We investigate the feasibility of using ultracold neutral atoms trapped near a thin superconductor to study vortex noise close to the Kosterlitz-Thouless-Berezinskii transition temperature. Alkali atoms such as rubidium probe the magnetic field produced by the vortices. We show that the relaxation time $T_1$ of the Zeeman sublevel populations can be conveniently adjusted to provide long observation times. We also show that the transverse relaxation times $T_2$ for Zeeman coherences are ideal for studying the vortex noise. We briefly consider the motion of atom clouds held close to the surface as a method for monitoring the vortex motion.