Phase dependent loading of Bloch bands and quantum simulation of relativistic wave equation predictions with ultracold atoms in variably shaped optical lattice potentials. Issue 18 (10th October 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Grossert, Christopher; Leder, Martin; Weitz, Martin
• Is Part Of: Journal of modern optics. Volume 63:Issue 18(2016)
• Page Start: 1805
• Page End: 1813
• Publication Date: 2016-10-10
• Subjects: Quantum simulation -- optical lattices -- ultracold atoms -- Dirac equation -- Klein tunnelling -- Veselago lensing; Optics -- Periodicals; 535
• DOI: 10.1080/09500340.2015.1137370
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0950-0340

Abstract

Abstract : The dispersion relation of ultracold atoms in variably shaped optical lattices can be tuned to resemble that of a relativistic particle, i.e. be linear instead of the usual nonrelativistic quadratic dispersion relation of a free atom. Cold atoms in such a lattice can be used to carry out quantum simulations of relativistic wave equation predictions. We begin this article by describing a Raman technique that allows to selectively load atoms into a desired Bloch band of the lattice near a band crossing. Subsequently, we review two recent experiments with quasirelativistic rubidium atoms in a bichromatic lattice, demonstrating the analogues of Klein tunnelling and Veselago lensing with ultracold atoms, respectively.