Dan M Stamper-Kurn [UC Berkeley]

Abstract:

How do the intrinsic geometric properties of a material affect its extrinsic material properties? My research group is investigating aspects of this question through experimentation on atomic quantum gases. First, we are exploring how the geometry of energy bands dictates properties such as parallel transport through band structure and how a measure of the relative geometry of two bands — the interband Berry connection — is experimentally determined through the equivalent of optical spectroscopy. Second, we are exploring geometric frustration, particularly how it impacts the motion of itinerant particles, with a specific focus on the kagome lattice, into which we can now place both Bose and Fermi gases. Third, we are interested in how certain superfluids can acquire topological properties. I will describe how the ingredients of such topological superfluids might be realized in ultracold Fermi gases of titanium, and will present early-stage work on preparing such gases.