Raman superradiance and spin lattice of ultracold atoms in optical cavities

Abstract

We investigate the synthesis of a hyperfine spin lattice in an atomic Bose–Einstein condensate, with two hyperfine spin components, inside a one-dimensional high-finesse optical cavity, using off-resonant superradiant Raman scattering. Spatio-temporal evolution of the relative population of the hyperfine spin modes is examined numerically by solving the coupled cavity–condensate mean-field equations in the dispersive regime. We find, analytically and numerically, that beyond a certain threshold of the transverse laser pump, Raman superradiance and self-organization of the hyperfine spin components occur simultaneously and as a result a magnetic lattice is formed. The effects of an extra laser pump parallel to the cavity axis and the time dependence of the pump strength on the synthesis of a sharper lattice are also addressed.