Abstract
We propose and describe a realistic scheme to detect topological edge states
in an optical lattice subjected to a synthetic magnetic field, based on a
generalization of Bragg spectroscopy sensitive to angular momentum. We
demonstrate that the excitation fraction produced by a well-designed laser
probe provides an unambiguous signature, which highlights the presence of
topological edge states and establishes their chiral nature. This signature is
present for a variety of boundaries, from a hard wall to a smooth harmonic
potential added on top of the optical lattice. We investigate the effects of
angular momentum transfer, with and without changing the internal atomic state.
The latter method allows to independently detect the weak signal from the
selected edge states on a dark background. Our method therefore offers the
unique possibility to visualize topological edge states using in situ imaging
in optical lattices.
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