Quantum Simulation of Frustrated Magnets by Rydberg Dressing (W911NF-12-R-0012-03, 6.3: Atomic and Molecular Physics)
Abstract
Frustrated magnets epitomize a central challenge of condensed matter physics: understanding how many-body quantum systems organize themselves under the influence of competing energetic demands. A long-standing vision is to gain new insight into frustrated magnetism via quantum simulations that interpolate between idealized models amenable to theoretical scrutiny and actual materials available in the solid state. This project will enable quantum simulations of frustrated magnets with laser-cooled atoms in optical lattices, by addressing the major challenge of generating tunable long-range interactions. We will produce these interactions by off-resonantly coupling two ground hyperfine states of cesium to highly polarizable Rydberg states. The resulting pair of Rydberg-dressed ground states, which form an effective spin-1/2 degree of freedom for simulations, will acquire interactions extending over a range of several microns. The influence of these interactions will initially be probed in a spatially disordered two-dimensional system relevant to the study of quantum spin glasses. Experiments will be conducted in a triangular lattice designed for extensions to frustrated models in honeycomb and Kagome geometries. We will develop control over the isotropy of the spin-spin couplings to enable simulations of both Ising and Heisenberg models, the latter offering long-term prospects for generating topologically ordered states.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Jan 30, 2017
- Source ID
- W911NF1610490
Entities
People
- Monika Schleier-Smith
Organizations
- Army Contracting Command
- Stanford University
- United States Army