Lattice Dynamics of Quantum Crystals

H. Beck, P. F. Meier

Yu. G. Kondrat’ev

Guido Pupillo, Andreas Griessner, Andrea Micheli +3 more

We study the realization of lattice models, where cold atoms and molecules move as extra particles in a dipolar crystal of trapped polar molecules. The crystal is a self-assembled floating mesoscopic lattice structure with quantum dynamics given by phonons. We show that within an experimentally accessible parameter regime extended Hubbard models with tunable long-range phonon-mediated interactions describe the effective dynamics of dressed particles.

Vighnesh Dattatraya Naik, Fabian Ballar Trigueros, Markus Heyl

We formulate a quantum version of the hard-disk problem on lattices, which exhibits a natural realization in systems of Rydberg atoms. We find that quantum hard disks exhibit unique dynamical quantum features. In 1D, the crystal melting process displays ballistic behavior as opposed to classical subdiffusion. For 2D, crystal structures remain intact against most defects, whereas classically they are washed out completely. We link this peculiar quantum behavior to quantum many-body scars. Our study highlights the potential of constrained 2D quantum matter to display unique dynamical behaviors.

D. Goderis, André F. Verbeure, P. Vets

R. F. Bishop