Topological edge states and Aharanov-Bohm caging with ultracold atoms carrying orbital angular momentum

Abstract

We show that bosonic atoms loaded into orbital angular momentum $l=1$ states of a lattice in a diamond-chain geometry provides a flexible and simple platform for exploring a range of topological effects. This system exhibits robust edge states, and the relative phases arising naturally in the tunnelling amplitudes lead to the appearance of Aharanov-Bohm caging in the lattice. We discuss how these properties can be realised and observed in ongoing experiments.