Abstract
The recent realization of synthetic gauge fields and spin-orbit interaction (SOI) in ultra-cold atomic gases has been a remarkable development in quantum many-body physics. Not only has it opened up many new frontiers of study in this field, it also provides a unique opportunity to use cold atom systems to investigate many exciting new physics related to spin-orbit effects in electron systems that are actively studied today.
In this talk, I will describe how synthetic gauge fields are produced as well as some dramatic quantum effects they give rise to. Three illustrative examples I will concentrate on are: (1) stripe-ordered phases of Bose-Einstein condensates; (2) chiral magnetic phases in the Bose-Hubbard model and (3) novel spin structures in the BEC-BCS crossover and the possibility of enhanced superfluid transition temperature.
Coffee and tea will be served 20 minutes prior to the seminar.