Frontiers of Quantum Simulation
Abstract
This ARO research proposal entitled "Frontiers of Quantum Simulation theoretically explores two classes of cold-atom quantum simulators: The first class is focused on simulating quantum phases, processes, and phenomena that are theoretically established, but do not occur naturally in any physical system. The second type on the contrary will simulate quantum phenomena that are of great interest to existing material systems and devices, but whose underlying physics is poorly understood. Specifically, the following topics will be studied: 1. In Phys. Rev. Lett. 125, 010404 (2020), the PI in collaboration with the Stanford group of Prof. Ben Lev have shown that electron-phonon mediated quantum phases can be realized in a multi-mode cavity coupled to fermionic cold atoms. The PI will further explore the analogy between electron-phonon systems in solids and optical lattices with synthetic phonons. Of particular interest is the possibility of cavity-induced superconductivity in both the weak-coupling and strong-coupling regimes as well as exotic superconducting phases. This research fits into a broader scope of cavity-mediated quantum coherence reviewed in PI s recent piece published in Nature 606, 41 (2022). 2. In a series of papers, the PI in collaboration with the Harvard group of Prof. Ashvin Vishwanath have developed a powerful new duality method to provably construct a zoo of quantum spin liquids in both two- and three-dimensional lattices/graphs. These states are of interest to fundamental science in general and quantum information science in particular. Experimental setups and probing methods to realize and measure these exotic quantum liquids will be explored in Rydberg array platforms. In addition, quasi-crystalline Rydberg arrays will be studied with an eye on an effective realization of higher-dimensional structures, which may lead to stable topological memory. 3. The PI and collaborators have recently proposed [Phys. Rev. Lett. 124, 155302 (2020)] a novel mechanism to realize a dynamical version of many-body localization - an exotic state that breaks ergodicity - a fundamental postulate of statistical mechanics. A recent experiment by the UCSB group of Prof. David Weld in collaboration with the PI has realized some aspects of PI s protocol in trapped lithium atoms near a Feshbach resonance. This experiment has demonstrated profound mysteries about the nature of thermalization and ergodicity. This proposed project will explore these fundamental questions by simulating various dynamical regimes in Floquet quantum circuits. The broader goals are to shed light on basic physical mechanisms behind quantum chaos and ergodicity, as well as to develop practical protocols to obstruct runaway heating and protect quantum information in driven quantum systems.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Jul 27, 2023
- Source ID
- W911NF2310241
Entities
People
- Victor Galitski
Organizations
- Army Contracting Command
- United States Army
- University of Maryland