Experimental Demonstration of a Synthetic Lorentz Force by Using Radiation Pressure

Area of Science:

• Atomic physics
• Quantum simulation
• Optics

Background:

• Synthetic magnetism in cold atomic gases enables novel physical systems.
• Current methods include rotating Bose-Einstein condensates and laser-atom interactions.
• Radiation pressure has not been previously utilized for synthetic magnetism.

Purpose of the Study:

• To experimentally demonstrate a synthetic Lorentz force using radiation pressure.
• To explore a novel method for generating synthetic magnetic fields in cold atomic gases.

Main Methods:

• Utilizing light radiation pressure and the Doppler effect.
• Observing the center-of-mass motion of a cold atomic cloud.
• Implementing a straightforward experimental setup.

Main Results:

• Successfully demonstrated a synthetic Lorentz force.
• The force is velocity-dependent and perpendicular to the atomic cloud's motion.
• The force is zero when the atomic cloud is at rest.

Conclusions:

• Radiation pressure offers a new pathway for creating synthetic magnetic fields.
• The method is versatile, applicable to large volumes and various velocities.
• The concept can be extended to different experimental geometries.