Merons and Meroniums in Spin-Orbit Coupled Bose Gases

Abstract

In this work we demonstrate the existence of new types of topological states in a two-component Bose gas with Rashba spin-orbit couplings. We find four types of topological structures exist in this system. First, the half vortex (HV), which have been found and discussed in similar systems. Second, the spherical wave half vortex (SWHV), which is different from the HV by a factor of $e^{ikr}$ in the wave function. The spin configurations show that HV and SWHV are both merons. Of particular interests are the third and fourth types, which are called double peak (DP) and spin spiral (SS) phases. They are both combinations of meron and antimeron, and hence named as meroniums. These two phases demonstrate intriguing spin density patterns. Finally, the phase diagram is obtained and the stability of the meronium state is discussed.