Second Chern number of a quantum-simulated non-Abelian Yang monopole
Abstract
Topological properties of physical systems are reflected in so-called Chern numbers: A nonzero Chern number typically means that a system is topologically nontrivial. Sugawa et al. engineered a cold atom system with a nonzero second Chern number, in contrast to condensed matter physics, where only the first Chern number is usually invoked. The exotic topology relates to the emergence of a type of magnetic monopole called the Yang monopole (known from theoretical high-energy physics) in a five-dimensional space of internal degrees of freedom in a rubidium Bose-Einstein condensate. The results illustrate the potential of cold atoms physics to simulate high-energy phenomena.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Pub Defense Publication
- Publication Date
- Jun 29, 2018
- Source ID
- 10.1126/science.aam9031
Entities
People
- Abigail R Perry
- Francisco Salces-Carcoba
- Ian B. Spielman
- Seiji Sugawa
- Yuchen Yue
Organizations
- Air Force Office of Scientific Research
- Army Research Office
- Joint Quantum Institute
- National Science Foundation