Quantum Simulation

Project 4:

Some quantum systems can be exquisitely well controlled in experiments, whereas others are essentially ‘black boxes’. We use the flexibility in controlling the first sort of systems to unlock the secrets of the second.

Project leaders: Tilman Esslinger, Matthias Troyer

Members: Johann Blatter, Christoph Bruder, Tilman Esslinger, Jonathan Home, Frédéric Merkt, Matthias Troyer

Many materials, engineered systems and theoretical models are notoriously difficult to study and understand when their behaviour is governed by quantum-mechanical effects. One central reason for this is the complexity of systems composed of many quantum particles. This complexity limits how well the properties and behaviour of quantum many-body systems can be simulated, even on the most powerful computers. An alternative approach to study complex quantum systems is quantum simulation. Here the quantum system of interest is emulated using one that can be very precisely controlled and manipulated.

The goal of this project is to develop, implement and validate complementary approaches to quantum simulation, with an emphasis on many-body physics — the physics that is key to understanding a broad range of materials. These materials often possess properties that make them interesting for technological applications, including superconductors and so-called topological materials.

Our approach is to combine experimental, numerical and theoretical methods. This work involves the development of and experimentation on several distinct experimental platforms: atomic quantum gases, ensembles of cold interacting Rydberg atoms, and trapped ions. Numerical simulations using state-of-the art methods for quantum many-body models complement these efforts. We focus in particular on the interplay of topology and interaction, long-range interacting many-body systems and polar fluids, and the quantum simulation of open systems and of devices and transport.