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Simulating Z2 topological insulators with cold atoms in a one-dimensional optical lattice

par Mei, F.;Zhu, S.-L.;Zhang, Z.-M.;Oh, Changhyun;Goldman, Nathan
Référence Physical Review A, 85, page (013638)
Publication Publié, 2012

Article révisé par les pairs

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Résumé :

We propose an experimental scheme to simulate and detect the properties of time-reversal invariant topological insulators, using cold atoms trapped in one-dimensional bichromatic optical lattices. This system is described by a one-dimensional Aubry-Andre model with an additional SU(2) gauge structure, which captures the essential properties of a two-dimensional Z 2 topological insulator. We demonstrate that topologically protected edge states, with opposite spin orientations, can be pumped across the lattice by sweeping a laser phase adiabatically. This process is an elegant way to transfer topologically protected quantum states in a highly controllable environment. We discuss how density measurements could provide clear signatures of the topological phases emanating from our one-dimensional system. © 2012 American Physical Society.