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Spin–orbit coupling in quantum gases

Nature volume 494, pages 49–54 (2013)Cite this article

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Abstract

Spin–orbit coupling links a particle’s velocity to its quantum-mechanical spin, and is essential in numerous condensed matter phenomena, including topological insulators and Majorana fermions. In solid-state materials, spin–orbit coupling originates from the movement of electrons in a crystal’s intrinsic electric field, which is uniquely prescribed in any given material. In contrast, for ultracold atomic systems, the engineered ‘material parameters’ are tunable: a variety of synthetic spin–orbit couplings can be engineered on demand using laser fields. Here we outline the current experimental and theoretical status of spin–orbit coupling in ultracold atomic systems, discussing unique features that enable physics impossible in any other known setting.

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Figure 1: Physical origin of SOC in conventional systems.
Figure 2: Laser coupling schemes.
Figure 3: Generalized SOC.

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Acknowledgements

We acknowledge the financial support of the NSF through the Physics Frontier Center at JQI; the ARO with funds from the Atomtronics MURI, DARPA’s OLE Program (I.B.S.), and directly (V.G.).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Joint Quantum Institute, National Institute of Standards and Technology, and University of Maryland, Gaithersburg, 20899, Maryland, USA

    Victor Galitski & Ian B. Spielman

  2. Condensed Matter Theory Center, University of Maryland, College Park, 20742, Maryland, USA

    Victor Galitski

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Each author contributed equally to writing this review.

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Correspondence to Ian B. Spielman.

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Galitski, V., Spielman, I. Spin–orbit coupling in quantum gases. Nature 494, 49–54 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1038/nature11841

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