Analog Quantum Computing with a Molecular Quantum Gas Microscope
Abstract
Here I propose a versatile and high-speed analog quantum computer using ultracold fermionic molecules, able to solve a large variety of complex many-fermion problems and to elucidate the emergence of many-body entanglement and its role in defining material properties. We will place the molecules in a two-dimensional array under a quantum gas microscope, allowing for singlemolecule detection with high fidelity. The strong long-range dipolar interactions allow simulating a wide range of Hamiltonians. We will in particular realize extended Fermi-Hubbard models with next-neighbor interactions and density-dependent tunneling, relevant for understanding high-temperature superconductivity. We will create an entirely new state of matter enabled by dipolar interactions, a topological superfluid of fermionic molecules in onedimensional arrays, and via local spectroscopy detect the presence of Majorana bound states. Employing dipolar interactions, we will build effective spin models with thousand times faster spin-exchange rates compared to neutral atoms, and without the use of unstable states as in Rydberg chains. Given the second-long coherence times of ultracold molecules demonstrated by the PI’s group, we will turn our platform into a quantum information processor. We will demonstrate quantum gate operations with chosen pairs of molecules and thus explore digital quantum computation with arrays of ultracold molecules, with potentially disruptive impact. This proposal for the FY2019 Vannevar Bush Faculty Fellowship aims at the analog quantum simulation of strongly correlated fermion systems with ultracold molecules. The quantum simulator consists of a two-dimensional array of more than 2000 molecules with local control and readout that is prepared nearly defect free at low entropy in an optical lattice. The proposal opens up major new research avenues in quantum magnetism, topological superfluidity and quantum information processing. The experiment combines the unique joint expertise in existing labs of the PI to a) create and study low-entropy states of strongly correlated fermions in optical lattices with single-atom, single-lattice-site resolution [1–4] and b) create and study ultracold, chemically stable, fermionic molecules [5–8]. A new apparatus for the creation of ultracold molecules in optical lattices with a high-resolution microscope will be built in newly renovated, state-of-the-art lab space of the PI. Proof-of-concept experiments will be carried out on existing setups. Funding of $3 million for 5 years is requested for one postdoc, two graduate students, major equipment for the new molecule microscope experiment and upgrades of existing labs.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Aug 20, 2019
- Source ID
- N000141912631
Entities
People
- Martin W. Zwierlein
Organizations
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology
- Office of Naval Research
- United States Navy