2D spin-orbit coupling for ultracold atoms in optical lattices

Abstract

Spin-orbit coupling (SOC) is at the heart of many exotic band-structures and can give rise to many-body states with topological order. Here we present a general scheme based on a combination of microwave driving and lattice shaking for the realization of time-reversal invariant 2D SOC with ultracold atoms in systems with inversion symmetry. We show that the strengths of Rashba and Dresselhaus SOC can be independently tuned in a spin-dependent square lattice. More generally, our method can be used to open gaps between different spin states without breaking time-reversal symmetry. We demonstrate that this allows for the realization of topological insulators in the presence of SOC, which is closely related to the Kane-Mele model.