Landau Quantization for $\Lambda$-Type Neutral Atoms in an Homogeneous Spin-Dependent Gauge Potential

Abstract

We investigate the quantum dynamics of neutral atoms subject to a uniform spin-dependent gauge field. In particular, we analyze a simple experimental scheme to generate the Landau quantization in a two dimensional atomic gas with internal three-level $\Lambda$-type configuration. We show how energy eigenfunctions and eigenvalues are obtained and discuss the experimental conditions for which a variety of physical quantities of the atomic gas can exhibit quantum oscillations.

11 pages, two figures