The fractional angular momentum realized by a cold neutral atom

Abstract

Inspired by the electromagnetic duality, we propose an approach to realize the fractional angular momentum by using a cold atom which possesses a permanent magnetic dipole momentum. This atom interacts with two electric fields and is trapped by a harmonic potential which enable the motion of the atom to be planar and rotationally symmetric. We show that eigenvalues of the canonical angular momentum of the cold atom can take fractional values when the atom is cooled down to its lowest kinetic energy level. The fractional part of canonical angular momentum is dual to that of the fractional angular momenta realized by using a charged particle. Another approach of getting the fractional angular momentum is also presented. The differences between these two approaches are investigated.