Spin Hall Effect in Atoms

We propose an optical means to realize a spin hall effect (SHE) in neutral atomic system by coupling the internal spin states of atoms to radiation. The interaction between the external optical fields and the atoms creates effective magnetic fields that act in opposite directions on "electrically" neutral atoms with opposite spin polarizations. This effect leads to a Landau level structure for each spin orientation in direct analogy with the familiar SHE in semiconductors. The conservation and topological properties of the spin current, and the creation of a pure spin current are discussed.Comment: 4 pages, 2 figure; Final versio

Bose-Einstein Condensates in Optical Quasicrystal Lattices

We analyze the physics of Bose-Einstein condensates confined in 2D quasi-periodic optical lattices, which offer an intermediate situation between ordered and disordered systems. First, we analyze the time-of-flight interference pattern that reveals quasi-periodic long-range order. Second, we demonstrate localization effects associated with quasi-disorder as well as quasiperiodic Bloch oscillations associated with the extended nature of the wavefunction of a Bose-Einstein condensate in an optical quasicrystal. In addition, we discuss in detail the crossover between diffusive and localized regimes when the quasi-periodic potential is switched on, as well as the effects of interactions

Suppression of Phase Decoherence in a Single Atomic Qubit

We study the suppression of noise-induced phase decoherence in a single atomic qubit by employing pulse sequences. The atomic qubit is composed of a single neutral atom in a far-detuned optical dipole trap and the phase decoherence may originate from the laser intensity and beam pointing fluctuations as well as magnetic field fluctuations. We show that suitable pulse sequences may prolongate the qubit coherence time substantially as comparing to the conventional spin echo pulse.Comment: 4 pages, 3 figure

Spectral weight redistribution in strongly correlated bosons in optical lattices

We calculate the single-particle spectral function for the one-band Bose-Hubbard model within the random phase approximation (RPA). In the strongly correlated superfluid, in addition to the gapless phonon excitations, we find extra gapped modes which become particularly relevant near the superfluid-Mott quantum phase transition (QPT). The strength in one of the gapped modes, a precursor of the Mott phase, grows as the QPT is approached and evolves into a hole (particle) excitation in the Mott insulator depending on whether the chemical potential is above (below) the tip of the lobe. The sound velocity of the Goldstone modes remains finite when the transition is approached at a constant density, otherwise, it vanishes at the transition. It agrees well with Bogoliubov theory except close to the transition. We also calculate the spatial correlations for bosons in an inhomogeneous trapping potential creating alternating shells of Mott insulator and superfluid. Finally, we discuss the capability of the RPA approximation to correctly account for quantum fluctuations in the vicinity of the QPT.Comment: 14 pages, 12 figure

A First Order Method For Differential Equations Of Neutral Type

A first order method is presented for solution of the initial-value problem for a differential equation of neutral type with implicit delay in the critical case where the time-lag is zero and the method of stepwise integration does not apply. A convergence theorem is proved, and numerical examples are given. © 1973, American Mathematical Society

Optical Dipole Trapping beyond Rotating Wave Approximation: The case of Large Detuning

We show that the inclusion of counter-rotating terms, usually dropped in evaluations of interaction of an electric dipole of a two level atom with the electromagnetic field, leads to significant modifications of trapping potential in the case of large detuning. The results are shown to be in excellent numerical agreement with recent experimental findings, for the case of modes of Laguerre-Gauss spatial profile.Comment: 13 pages, 2 figure

Exact Dynamics of Multicomponent Bose-Einstein Condensates in Optical Lattices in One, Two and Three Dimensions

Numerous exact solutions to the nonlinear mean-field equations of motion are constructed for multicomponent Bose-Einstein condensates on one, two, and three dimensional optical lattices. We find both stationary and nonstationary solutions, which are given in closed form. Among these solutions are a vortex-anti-vortex array on the square optical lattice and modes in which two or more components slosh back and forth between neighboring potential wells. We obtain a variety of solutions for multicomponent condensates on the simple cubic lattice, including a solution in which one condensate is at rest and the other flows in a complex three-dimensional array of intersecting vortex lines. A number of physically important solutions are stable for a range of parameter values, as we show by direct numerical integration of the equations of motion.Comment: 22 pages, 9 figure

Geometric quantum gate for trapped ions based on optical dipole forces induced by Gaussian laser beams

We present an implementation of quantum logic gates via internal state dependent displacements of ions in a linear Paul trap caused by optical dipole forces. Based on a general quantum analysis of the system dynamics we consider specific implementations with alkaline earth ions. For experimentally realistic parameters gate infidelities as low as $10^{-4}$ can be obtained.Comment: 10 pages, 4 figure