Laser Systems for Measurements of Local Relaxation in Disordered Atomic Hubbard Models
Abstract
We propose to build two laser systems that will support research advancing the state-of-the-art for disordered quantum gases, thus enabling new methods for attacking outstanding questions related to condensed matter physics and materials science. Our research program focuses on understanding the impact of disorder-induced quantum localization on the behavior and relaxation of excitations in strongly correlated fermionic gases composed of 40K atoms. A new capability for this researchÑRaman transitions that do not introduce an optical potentialÑwill be enabled by one of the proposed laser systems. The other laser system will increase the dynamic range of timedependent measurements by speeding up the experimental cooling cycle. We will use these laser systems to make the first measurements of how disorder affects the relaxation of local spin and density excitations in metallic and many-body localized states via spatially resolved Raman excitation and in-situ imaging. Potential outcomes of this research with relevance to the Department of Defense are tremendous. Determining how excitations propagate in strongly correlated metallic and manybody localized states would add to our fundamental understanding of strongly interacting quantum matter in an entirely new way. For example, directly measuring diffusion constants would enhance our knowledge of how heat, energy, and information propagate in strongly correlated matter, which may lead to the development of new materials for energy generation and transmission and information processing. And, learning how excitations propagate or remain static in a many-body localized state has significant implications for schemes proposing to protect topological information in quantum information science applications. Furthermore, graduate students working on developing the proposed equipment will learn skills critical to the Department of Defense, such as laser science, optical and electro-optical systems, and radio- and micro-wave frequency electronics. Publically Releasable Abstract
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Sep 11, 2018
- Source ID
- W911NF1710171
Entities
People
- Brian Demarco
Organizations
- Army Contracting Command
- United States Army
- University of Illinois Urbana–Champaign