Exploring Entanglement in Quantum Spin Liquids with Nonlinear Spectroscopy
Abstract
By harnessing the fundamental properties of quantum mechanics, the development of transformative new computing technologies may be possible in the coming years. Many-body quantum states are extremely delicate, however, and environmental perturbations can easily induce decoherence in quantum systems. To solve this challenge, several exotic phases of condensed matter have been predicted to host excitations that are naturally immune to local perturbations. This project will investigate one of these classes of materials: the quantum spin liquids. Quantum spin liquids feature long-range entangled spin degrees of freedom that could be used for quantum information applications, but there are currently no good experimental techniques to quantify entanglement in solid-state systems. To address this deficiency, nonlinear spectroscopy will be developed as a tool to investigate the fundamental properties of quantum spin liquid materials. Two specific techniques will be employed: nonlinear optical rotational anisotropy, which will be used to study symmetries and symmetry-breaking phase transitions in these materials, and two dimensional terahertz spectroscopy, which will be used to uncover unambiguous signatures of fractionalization and entanglement, two hallmarks of quantum spin liquid ground states. In order to perform the nonlinear terahertz measurements, a new technique called near-field terahertz magnetic spectroscopy will be developed. Entanglement of many-body system touches upon a wide range of topics in condensed matter physics, and the potential applications of protected entanglement in solid-state systems are significant. This project will introduce new techniques that will likely prove vital to future experimental research in the field.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Jan 21, 2022
- Source ID
- FA95502110337XX0
Entities
People
- John Harter
Organizations
- Air Force Office of Scientific Research
- United States Air Force
- University of California, Santa Barbara