Experimental realization of a SU(3) color-orbit coupling in an ultracold gas

Chetan S. Madasu, Chirantan Mitra, Lucas Gabardos, Ketan D. Rathod, Thomas Zanon-Willette, Christian Miniatura, Frédéric Chevy, Chang Chi Kwong and David Wilkowski ()
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Chetan S. Madasu: Nanyang Technological University
Chirantan Mitra: Nanyang Technological University
Lucas Gabardos: Nanyang Technological University
Ketan D. Rathod: Université Côte d’Azur, Sorbonne Université, National University of Singapore, Nanyang Technological University
Thomas Zanon-Willette: UMR 8233
Christian Miniatura: National University of Singapore
Frédéric Chevy: Université PSL, CNRS, Sorbonne Université, Université de Paris
Chang Chi Kwong: Nanyang Technological University
David Wilkowski: Nanyang Technological University

Nature Communications, 2025, vol. 16, issue 1, 1-8

Abstract: Abstract Spin-orbit interaction couples the spin of a particle to its motion and leads to spin-induced transport phenomena such as spin-Hall effects and Chern insulators. In this work, we extend the concept of internal-external state coupling to higher internal symmetry, exploring features beyond the established spin-orbit regime. We couple suitable resonant laser beams to a gas of ultracold atoms, thereby inducing artificial SU(3) non-Abelian gauge fields that act on a degenerate ground state manifold comprised of three dark states. We demonstrate the inherent all-state connectivity of SU(3) systems by performing targeted geometric transformations. Then, we investigate color-orbit coupling, an extension of SU(2) spin-orbit coupling to SU(3) systems. We reveal a rich dynamical interplay between three distinct oscillation frequencies, which possesses interesting analogies with neutrino oscillations and quark mixing mechanisms. In the future, the system should provide a testbed for further investigation of topological properties of SU(3) systems.

Date: 2025
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-63142-6

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