We propose that negative absolute temperatures in ultracold atomic clouds in optical lattices can be used to simulate quantum systems in new regions of phase diagrams. First we discuss how the attractive SU(3) Hubbard model in three dimensions can be realized using repulsively interacting ${}^{173}$ Yb atoms, then we consider how an antiferromagnetic $S=1$ spin chain could be simulated using spinor ${}^{87}$ Rb or ${}^{23}$ Na atoms. The general idea to achieve negative absolute temperatures is to reverse the sign of the external harmonic potential. Energy conservation in a deep optical lattice imposes a constraint on the dynamics of the cloud, which can relax toward a $T<0$ state. As the process is strongly nonadiabatic, we estimate the change of the entropy.We propose that negative absolute temperatures in ultracold atomic clouds in optical lattices can be used to simulate quantum systems in new regions of phase diagrams. First we discuss how the attractive SU(3) Hubbard model in three dimensions can be realized using repulsively interacting ${}^{173}$Yb atoms, then we consider how an antiferromagnetic $S=1$ spin chain could be simulated using spinor ${}^{87}$Rb or ${}^{23}$Na atoms. The general idea to achieve negative absolute temperatures is to reverse the sign of the external harmonic potential. Energy conservation in a deep optical lattice imposes a constraint on the dynamics of the cloud, which can relax toward a $T<0$ state. As the process is strongly nonadiabatic, we estimate the change of the entropy.

arXiv:1112.4299Physical Review AApr 17, 201210 citations

Quantum simulation of frustrated magnetism in a triangular optical lattice

Julian Struck, Christoph Olschl ager, Christina Staarmann +5 more

Bulletin of the American Physical SocietyJun 14, 20112 citations

Simulation and measurement of topological phase transitions with alkaline-earth-metal atoms in optical lattices

Bin Wang, Yu‐Biao Wu, Zhen Zheng +1 more

We present a proposal to realize and detect topological phase transition in optical lattices with alkaline-earth-metal atoms. Using state-dependent lattices and laser-assisted tunneling, we realize a dimerized spin- $1/2$ antiferromagnetic chain with next-nearest-neighbor coupling. We show that the spin chain hosts two symmetric topological phases and undergoes the topological phase transition when we change the alternating strength of nearest-neighbor couplings. We propose to measure the topological phase transition by detecting the entanglement spectrum and nonlocal string order with a quantum gas microscope. Furthermore, from measurement results, we demonstrate the difference of statistical properties between two topological phases. Our proposal can be a promising platform for simulation of topological phase transition.We present a proposal to realize and detect topological phase transition in optical lattices with alkaline-earth-metal atoms. Using state-dependent lattices and laser-assisted tunneling, we realize a dimerized spin-$1/2$ antiferromagnetic chain with next-nearest-neighbor coupling. We show that the spin chain hosts two symmetric topological phases and undergoes the topological phase transition when we change the alternating strength of nearest-neighbor couplings. We propose to measure the topological phase transition by detecting the entanglement spectrum and nonlocal string order with a quantum gas microscope. Furthermore, from measurement results, we demonstrate the difference of statistical properties between two topological phases. Our proposal can be a promising platform for simulation of topological phase transition.

Physical Review AOct 11, 20191 citation

{}^{173}

Yb atoms, then we consider how an antiferromagnetic

S=1

spin chain could be simulated using spinor

{}^{87}

Rb or

{}^{23}

Na atoms. The general idea to achieve negative absolute temperatures is to reverse the sign of the external harmonic potential. Energy conservation in a deep optical lattice imposes a constraint on the dynamics of the cloud, which can relax toward a

T<0

state. As the process is strongly nonadiabatic, we estimate the change of the entropy.

1/2

antiferromagnetic chain with next-nearest-neighbor coupling. We show that the spin chain hosts two symmetric topological phases and undergoes the topological phase transition when we change the alternating strength of nearest-neighbor couplings. We propose to measure the topological phase transition by detecting the entanglement spectrum and nonlocal string order with a quantum gas microscope. Furthermore, from measurement results, we demonstrate the difference of statistical properties between two topological phases. Our proposal can be a promising platform for simulation of topological phase transition.