Realizing the Harper Hamiltonian with Laser-Assisted Tunneling in Optical Lattices

Understand

We experimentally implement the Harper Hamiltonian for neutral particles in optical lattices using laser-assisted tunneling and a potential energy gradient provided by gravity or magnetic field gradients.

• This Hamiltonian describes the motion of charged particles in strong magnetic fields.
• Laser-assisted tunneling processes are characterized by studying the expansion of the atoms in the lattice.
• The band structure of this Hamiltonian should display Hofstadter's butterfly.