Abstract
We theoretically investigate the localization properties of a spin-orbit-coupled spin-1/2 particle moving in a one-dimensional quasiperiodic potential, which can be experimentally implemented using cold atoms trapped in a quasiperiodic optical lattice potential and external laser fields. We present the phase diagram in the parameter space of the disorder strength and those related to the spin-orbit coupling. The phase diagram is verified via multifractal analysis of the atomic wave functions and the numerical simulation of diffusion dynamics. We found that spin-orbit coupling can lead to spectra mixing (coexistence of extended and localized states) and the appearance of mobility edges.
- Received 7 January 2013
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevA.87.023625
©2013 American Physical Society