Spin-Orbit Coupling and Topological States in $F=\frac{3}{2}$ Cold Fermi Gas

Abstract

In this work we study the possible occurrence of topological insulators for 2D fermions of high spin. They can be realized in cold fermion systems with ground-state atomic spin $F>\tfrac{1}{2}$, if the optical potential is properly designed, and spin-orbit coupling is relevant. The latter is shown to be induced by letting the fermions interact with a specially tuned arrangement of polarized laser beams. When the system is subject to a perpendicular magnetic field, time reversal symmetry is broken but the ensuing Hamiltonian is still endowed with a mirror symmetry. Topological insulators for fermions of higher spins are fundamentally distinct from those pertaining to spin $\frac{1}{2}$. The underlying physics reveals a plethora of positive and negative mirror Chern numbers, respectively corresponding to chiral and anti-chiral edge states. Here, for simplicity, we concentrate on the case $F=\tfrac{3}{2}$ (which is suitable for $^{6}$Li or $^2$H atoms) but extension to higher spins (such as $^{40}$K whose ground-state spin is $F=\tfrac{9}{2}$), is straightforward.

24 pages, 16 eps figures