JILA physicists have used their advanced strontium lattice atomic clock to simulate the magnetic properties of solid materials, potentially leading to new materials for spintronic devices and quantum computers. The clock’s ability to precisely control and measure atomic properties allowed researchers to create “synthetic” magnetic fields by locking together an atom’s spin and motion, a phenomenon known as spin-orbit coupling.
The experiments, published in Nature, demonstrate a novel “off-label” use for atomic clocks as quantum simulators. Spin-orbit coupling is a key feature of topological materials, which could enable novel devices based on electron spin and topological quantum computers. The research could lead to better understanding and control of these exotic quantum materials.
The JILA team’s work builds on previous demonstrations of spin-orbit coupling in atomic gases. By using the clock’s long-lived excited states and precise control, they were able to overcome atom loss and heating issues common in other experiments. The research is supported by NIST, NSF, AFOSR, DARPA, and ARO.
Keywords: Spin-orbit coupling, Atomic clock, Quantum simulation, Optical lattice, Spintronics
