Deterministic Creation of Polar Core Vortices in Uniform Quasi-2D Ferromagnetic Spinor Bose-Einstein Condensates*

The deterministic creation of vortices in scalar Bose-Einstein Condensates (BECs) has allowed for the exploration of novel phases of vortex matter from far from equilibrium stable negative temperature vortex states to transition between non-equilibrium states. Deterministic creation of topological defects in spinor condensate is a more involved process and in particular polar-core vortices (PCVs) were first experimentally observed by Sadler et al. in 2006, but have not previously been deterministically created which has impeded in-depth study of their properties and dynamics. I will present our experimental progress towards the deterministic creation of Polar Core Vortices (PCVs). The technique uses the 790 nm tune-out wavelength combined with Digital Micromirror Device (DMD) to imprint equal but opposite 2π phase gradients to atoms in magnetized spin states |F=1, m_f=±1>while being transparent to atoms in unmagnetized spin state |F=1, m_f=0>. The density profile of the vortex is shaped using a 660 nm laser and the same DMD which also serves to create the trap for the planar trap for the atoms. This technique aims to allow for the creation of arbitrary spatial distribution of PCVs in a uniform spinor condensate which will allow for the probing of the properties of single PCV; as well as, few-body PCV dynamics, PCV driven spin turbulence, and help determine the thermodynamic equilibrium properties of PCV ensembles.