Work

Topological spin models in Rydberg lattices

Year: 2017

Type: article

Abstract: We show that resonant dipole–dipole interactions between Rydberg atoms in a triangular lattice can give rise to artificial magnetic fields for spin excitations. We consider the coherent dipole–dipole coupling between np and ns Rydberg states and derive an effective spin-1/2 Hamiltonian for the np excitations. By breaking time-reversal symmetry via external fields, we engineer complex hopping amplitudes for transitions between two rectangular sub-lattices. The phase of these hopping amplitudes depends on the direction of the hop. This gives rise to a staggered, artificial magnetic field which induces non-trivial topological effects. We calculate the single-particle band structure and investigate its Chern numbers as a function of the lattice parameters and the detuning between the two sub-lattices. We identify extended parameter regimes where the Chern number of the lowest band is $$C=1$$ or $$C=2$$ .

Source: Applied Physics B

DOI: 10.1007/s00340-016-6596-4

Authors: Martin Kiffner, Edward O’Brien, Dieter Jaksch

Institutions: Centre for Quantum Technologies, National University of Singapore, University of Oxford

Language: English

Topic: Cold Atom Physics and Bose-Einstein Condensates

Subfield: Atomic and Molecular Physics, and Optics

Field: Physics and Astronomy

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $4,090

Funders: University of Oxford, National Research Foundation, Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council