Summary
Quantum simulators enable probing the static and dynamic properties of correlated quantum many-body systems that would otherwise be numerically inaccessible using classical simulators. We are developing quantum simulators based on arrays of neutral atoms excited to Rydberg states. Such Rydberg atom arrays are advantageous for simulating the dynamics of interacting spin systems (Ising spin models) in higher dimensions and arbitrary geometries. Our first simulator uses alkali atoms trapped in two-dimensional arrays of optical tweezers. It is currently being designed, built and operated by our team. It will be used for studying many-body quantum dynamics, non-equilibrium physics, and quantum chaos. We will explore these areas after optimizing our control gates and engineering interactions using coherent excitation to Rydberg states. We will also explore novel ideas presented by the early adopter community, such as approaches to gain better insight into advanced materials. Finally, as this project involves the development of novel quantum hardware, including an optimal control toolbox and advanced laser systems, it may lead to further application to quantum enhanced sensing and precision metrology.

Figure 1. Classical simulation of the dynamics of a chain of five interacting atoms exhibiting coherent many-body oscillations after being adiabatically driven across a phase transition from a disordered state into an ordered state and suddenly quenched into a far-from-equilibrium state. Quantum simulators enable extending those simulation results into numerically inaccessible regimes for larger system sizes and higher dimensions.
Related Content

Inverse Photoemission Spectroscopy of Quantum Materials
Summary Quantum materials that exhibit strong electron correlations lead to phenomena, such as superconductivity and topologically protected states, that are important for quantum computation, sensing, and other applications. For example, we may utilize symmetry protected topological states to make qubits that are robust against decoherence, while advances in high temperature superconductors may significantly reduce […]
September 20, 2018

Quantum Information Processing with Molecular Lattices
The aim of the work is to develop theoretical tools to simulate and predict the behaviour of a one-dimensional chain of trapped dipolar molecules and to study the nature of entanglement as a design resource.
June 1, 2017

Entangled States of Beams and their Applications
Summary With David Cory and collaborators at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) we explore how to engineer beams of neutron or photons that carry entanglement. The degrees of freedom that can be entangled include spin (polarization), momentum, displacement, and angular momentum. These have potential applications ranging from studies of helical internal magnetic fields […]
September 7, 2016

A Reformulation of Quantum Game Theory
Summary Classical game theory – conducted at the interface between economics and computer science – has found applications in topics ranging from networking and security to online markets. Despite over 20 years of research into connections between game theory and quantum information, we have yet to see any significant implications of quantum information when applied […]
April 1, 2020