Atomic matter of nonzero-momentum Bose-Einstein condensation and orbital current order

WV Liu, C Wu - Physical Review A—Atomic, Molecular, and Optical …, 2006 - APS
Physical Review A—Atomic, Molecular, and Optical Physics, 2006APS
The paradigm of Bose-Einstein condensation has been associated with zero momentum to
which a macroscopic fraction of bosons condense. Here we propose a new quantum state
where bosonic alkali-metal atoms condense at nonzero momenta, defying the paradigm.
This becomes possible when the atoms are confined in the p-orbital Bloch band of an optical
lattice rather than the usual s-orbital band. The new condensate simultaneously forms an
order of transversely staggered orbital currents, reminiscent of orbital antiferromagnetism or …
The paradigm of Bose-Einstein condensation has been associated with zero momentum to which a macroscopic fraction of bosons condense. Here we propose a new quantum state where bosonic alkali-metal atoms condense at nonzero momenta, defying the paradigm. This becomes possible when the atoms are confined in the -orbital Bloch band of an optical lattice rather than the usual -orbital band. The new condensate simultaneously forms an order of transversely staggered orbital currents, reminiscent of orbital antiferromagnetism or -density wave in correlated electronic systems but different in fundamental ways. We discuss several approaches of preparing atoms to the -orbital band and propose an “energy blocking” mechanism by Feshbach resonance to protect them from decaying to the lowest -orbital band. Such a model system seems very unique and novel to atomic gases. It suggests a new concept of quantum collective phenomena of no prior example from solid state materials.
American Physical Society
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