Yao, NormanGorshkov, A. V.Laumann, ChrisLäuchli, A. M.Ye, J.Lukin, Mikhail2014-06-102013Yao, N. Y., A. V. Gorshkov, C. R. Laumann, A. M. Läuchli, J. Ye, and M. D. Lukin. 2013. “Realizing Fractional Chern Insulators in Dipolar Spin Systems.” Physical Review Letters 110 (18) (April).0031-9007http://nrs.harvard.edu/urn-3:HUL.InstRepos:12285463Strongly correlated quantum systems can exhibit exotic behavior controlled by topology. We predict that the ν=1/2 fractional Chern insulator arises naturally in a two-dimensional array of driven, dipolar-interacting spins. As a specific implementation, we analyze how to prepare and detect synthetic gauge potentials for the rotational excitations of ultracold polar molecules trapped in a deep optical lattice. With the motion of the molecules pinned, under certain conditions, these rotational excitations form a fractional Chern insulating state. We present a detailed experimental blueprint for its realization and demonstrate that the implementation is consistent with near-term capabilities. Prospects for the realization of such phases in solid-state dipolar systems are discussed as are their possible applications.en-USJournal Article2014-06-1010.1103/PhysRevLett.110.185302