Strongly Driven Ultracold Atoms: New Frontiers in nonequilibrium Quantum
Abstract
We propose a program of experimental research on quantum gases which are subjected to generalized shaking. Shaking up a quantum system can lead to new phenomena and new capabilities. The proposed work aims at the development of a new set of tools for exploring fundamental open questions in the control of quantum systems driven far away from equilibrium. The work comprises three specific related goals. The first goal is to measure and control fundamental quantum memory effects on the relaxation of metastable systems; these effects have long been theoretically predicted but have never been observed. The second goal is to explore and exert control over the dynamics of thermalization in a driven quantum gas. And the third goal is to use a strongly shaken quantum gas to synthesize and characterize an exotic drive-stabilized state of matter which could never exist in any undriven system. The proposed research will impact atomic physics by developing new techniques for the control of quantum systems away from equilibrium and by providing experimental insight into open scientific questions regarding their behavior. These advances will lay the foundations for new atom-based techniques for precision timekeeping, sensing, and inertial navigation. The proposed work may also have an impact beyond atomic physics, for example by enhancing our understanding of emergent exotic states of matter in laser-driven crystalline solids.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Aug 12, 2021
- Source ID
- FA95502010240
Entities
People
- David M. Weld
Organizations
- Air Force Office of Scientific Research
- United States Air Force
- University of California, Santa Barbara