From Atom Optics to Quantum Simulation

Yoshiro Takahashi

Ultracold atoms in an optical lattice provide a unique approach to study quantum many-body systems, previously only possible by using condensed-matter experimental systems. This new approach, often called quantum simulation, becomes possible because of the high controllability of the system parameters and the inherent cleanness without lattice defects and impurities. In this article, we review recent developments in this rapidly growing field of ultracold atoms in an optical lattice, with special focus on quantum simulations using our newly created quantum many-body system of two-electron atoms of ytterbium. In addition, we also mention other interesting possibilities offered by this novel experimental platform, such as applications to precision measurements for studying fundamental physics and a Rydberg atom quantum computation.

Masao Hirokawa

Immanuel Bloch

Large scale quantum simulations in computationally intractable regimes offer the opportunity to address fundamental problems across different fields of science. I will introduce the field of atomic quantum simulations with ultracold atoms and outline perspectives and challenges in the field.

慎太郎 田家, 靖司 素川, 歴舟 山崎

Seiji Sugawa, Shintaro Taie, Yosuke Takasu +3 more