Applications of the symmetry principle in condensed matter and cold atomic systems

Congjun Wu

Symmetry distills the simplicity of natural laws from the complexity of physical phenomena. The symmetry principle is of vital importance in various aspects of modern physics, including analyzing atomic spectra, determining fundamental interactions in the Standard Model, and unifying physics at different energy scales. In this chapter, novel applications of this principle are reviewed in condensed matter physics and cold atom physics for exploring new states of matter.

Anthony Brinton Wolbarst

Luciano Fonda, G. C. Ghirardi

Chen-Yen Lai, Chih-Chun Chien

The emerging field of $a\phantom{\rule{0}{0ex}}t\phantom{\rule{0}{0ex}}o\phantom{\rule{0}{0ex}}m\phantom{\rule{0}{0ex}}t\phantom{\rule{0}{0ex}}r\phantom{\rule{0}{0ex}}o\phantom{\rule{0}{0ex}}n\phantom{\rule{0}{0ex}}i\phantom{\rule{0}{0ex}}c\phantom{\rule{0}{0ex}}s$ uses cold-atom systems to mimic or complement conventional electronic systems. Taking advantage of the flexibility and tunability of cold atoms, the authors present a mechanism for quantum memory effects based on geometrical transformations in noninteracting systems. They illustrate two specific applications: an accelerometer, and a nonvolatile atomic memory for data storage. These principles and designs can be extended to other condensed-matter systems, offering exciting opportunities for quantum-memory-effect devices.

Hélène Perrin, P. Lemonde, Franck Pereira dos Santos +4 more

In this review, we discuss the impact of the development of lasers on ultra-cold atoms and molecules and their applications. After a brief historical review of laser cooling and Bose–Einstein condensation, we present important applications of ultra-cold atoms, including time and frequency metrology, atom interferometry and inertial sensors, atom lasers, simulation of condensed matter systems, production and study of strongly correlated systems, and production of ultra-cold molecules.

Fabrizio Tafuri, C. A. Perroni, G. De Filippis