Real-space probe for lattice quasiholes

Abstract

We propose a real-space probe that is based on density measurements to extract distinct signatures of quasihole-like states of bosons experiencing a synthetic magnetic field in a two-dimensional lattice. We numerically show that certain ratios of the mean square radii of the particle cloud, obtainable through the density profile, quickly approach the continuum values expected from Laughlin's ansatz wave functions as the magnetic flux quanta per unit cell of the lattice decreases, even in a small lattice with few particles. This method can equally be used in both ultracold atomic and photonic systems.