Innovations for the Construction and Detection of Quantum Phases with Neutral Atoms
Abstract
Experiments with ultracold atoms in optical lattices have demonstrated strongly correlated quantum states, including superfluids and Mott insulators. Supplementary lasers have been used to implement synthetic fields including effective magnetic fields as laboratories seek to realize remarkable topological states, such as quantum Hall states. Recent experiments with atoms in tweezers have, in addition, demonstrated, correlated spin states with in situ single-spin imaging possible. The ability to create and observe novel quantum states of matter in a controlled environment presents a great deal of opportunity, directly in line with AFOSR’s interests in atomic, molecular and optical physics. Atomic and molecular gas experiments to realize strongly correlated quantum states are very promising. Large numbers of particles can be gathered. The plethora of synthetic fields that can be applied can drive these systems into a variety of fundamentally intriguing quantum phases of matter. But practical challenges remain. We identify two critical challenges to be addressed by this proposal- temperature limitations and methods for observation. How can we make high impact observations of quantum states even though temperatures are relatively high. What observables can we use. We propose to model experiments designed to observe quantum states of matter with current technology in three thrusts- entangled graph states in optical tweezers with Rydberg atoms, Bose-Einstein condensates as probes of topological chiral currents of fermionic atoms, and high temperature observables of supersymmetric matter. The goal of the proposed projects is to foster the identification of novel states of matter in ongoing experiments with ultracold atoms and molecules.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Feb 22, 2024
- Source ID
- FA95502310034
Entities
People
- V W Scarola
Organizations
- Air Force Office of Scientific Research
- United States Air Force
- Virginia Tech