Towards the observation of a Dicke type phase transition in spin-orbit coupled BECs

ORAL

Abstract

Spin-orbit coupling plays a major role in many condensed matter systems. Utilizing Raman coupling between two hyperfine states it is possible to add spin-orbit coupling to atomic systems as well. This is an important step toward investigating condensed matter physics with ultra cold atoms. Motivated by recent theoretical results we experimentally investigate a Dicke-model type phase transition in spin-orbit coupled $^{87}$Rb BECs. We report on recent and ongoing work.

Authors

  • Peter Engels

    Department of Physics and Astronomy, Washington State University, Washington State University, Washinton State University

  • Chris Hamner

    Department of Physics and Astronomy, Washington State University, Washington State University, Washinton State University

  • JiaJia Chang

    Washington State University, Washinton State University