Quantum Simulation
One of the simplest models of interacting fermions on a two-dimensional (2D) lattice—the Hubbard model—becomes too tricky to simulate on classical computers as the density of empty lattice sites (holes) increases. Chiu et al. used a quantum microscope to take snapshots of thousands of realizations of the 2D Hubbard model in an optical lattice filled with fermionic lithium atoms at varying hole densities (see the Perspective by Schauss). The authors used pattern recognition algorithms to analyze the images, in which each lattice site was individually resolved. Comparing these patterns to the predictions of several theoretical models, they found the most consistency with the so-called geometric string model.
Science , this issue p. [251][1]; see also p. [218][2]
[1]: /lookup/doi/10.1126/science.aav3587
[2]: /lookup/doi/10.1126/science.aax6486
Quantum Simulation
One of the simplest models of interacting fermions on a two-dimensional (2D) lattice—the Hubbard model—becomes too tricky to simulate on classical computers as the density of empty lattice sites (holes) increases. Chiu et al. used a quantum microscope to take snapshots of thousands of realizations of the 2D Hubbard model in an optical lattice filled with fermionic lithium atoms at varying hole densities (see the Perspective by Schauss). The authors used pattern recognition algorithms to analyze the images, in which each lattice site was individually resolved. Comparing these patterns to the predictions of several theoretical models, they found the most consistency with the so-called geometric string model.
Looking for patterns in an optical lattice One of the simplest models of interacting fermions on a two-dimensional (2D) lattice—the Hubbard model—becomes too tricky to simulate on classical computers as the density of empty lattice sites (holes) increases. Chiu et al. used a quantum microscope to take snapshots of thousands of realizations of the 2D Hubbard model in an optical lattice filled with fermionic lithium atoms at varying hole densities (see the Perspective by Schauss). The authors used pattern recognition algorithms to analyze the images, in which each lattice site was individually resolved. Comparing these patterns to the predictions of several theoretical models, they found the most consistency with the so-called geometric string model. Science , this issue p. 251 ; see also p. 218
Understanding strongly correlated quantum many-body states is one of the most difficult challenges in modern physics. For example, there remain fundamental open questions on the phase diagram of the Hubbard model, which describes strongly correlated electrons in solids. In this work, we realize the Hubbard Hamiltonian and search for specific patterns within the individual images of many realizations of strongly correlated ultracold fermions in an optical lattice. Upon doping a cold-atom antiferromagnet, we find consistency with geometric strings, entities that may explain the relationship between hole motion and spin order, in both pattern-based and conventional observables. Our results demonstrate the potential for pattern recognition to provide key insights into cold-atom quantum many-body systems.
In this thesis, I present the experimental realisation of the two-dimensional Hubbard model with ultracold fermionic Potassium-40 atoms in optical lattices. By tuning the dimensionality, kinetic and interaction in the optical lattices, we perform an analogue quantum simulation to explore the phase diagram of the Hubbard model. \n \nThe first key result is the experimental observation of particle-hole symmetry, namely a phase mapping between repulsive and attractive interactions. We compare a density-ordered, Mott-insulating phase with repulsive interaction to a spin-ordered, preformed pair phase and found excellent agreement with the theoretical prediction. The precise control and excellent detection capability of our quantum gas apparatus allow us to validate the particle-hole symmetry, and utilise it to explore quantum phases with a novel approach. \n \nNext, we investigate the spin-ordering on the repulsive side. By implementing a novel scheme based on coherent manipulation of spin correlations, we probe the anti-ferromagnetic ordering in the low-temperature phase diagram. The momentum-resolved spin correlations permit the reconstruction of spatial correlators without site-resolved imaging fidelity. \n \nFinally, we probe the attractive side of the phase diagram with a focus in pairing phenomenon, in which we draw a close analogy with BCS-BEC crossovers present in high-temperature superconducting cuprates and trapped ultracold Fermi gases. From the pair correlation function derived from thermodynamics observables, we observe the competition between the effective Pauli repulsion in fermionic systems and the on-site attraction we implemented.
One of the most active areas in atomic, molecular and optical physics is the use of ultracold atomic gases in optical lattices to simulate the behaviour of electrons in condensed matter systems. The larger mass, longer length scale, and tuneable interactions in these systems allow the dynamics of atoms moving in these systems to be followed in real time, and resonant light scattering by the atoms allows this motion to be probed on a microscopic scale using site-resolved imaging. This book reviews the physics of Hubbard-type models for both bosons and fermions in an optical lattice, which give rise to a rich variety of insulating and conducting phases depending on the lattice properties and interparticle interactions. It also discusses the effect of disorder on the transport of atoms in these models, and the recently discovered phenomenon of many-body localization. It presents several examples of experiments using both density and momentum imaging and quantum gas microscopy to study the motion of atoms in optical lattices. These illustrate the power and flexibility of ultracold-lattice analogues for exploring exotic states of matter at an unprecedented level of precision.
Quantum Simulation
Much can be learned about the nature of a solid from how charge and spin propagate through it. Transport experiments can also be performed in quantum simulators such as cold atom systems, in which individual atoms can be imaged using quantum microscopes. Now, two groups have investigated transport in the so-called Fermi-Hubbard model using a two-dimensional optical lattice filled with one fermionic atom per site (see the Perspective by Brantut). Moving away from half-filling to enable charge transport, Brown et al. found that the resistivity had a linear temperature dependence, not unlike that seen in the strange metal phase of cuprate superconductors. In a complementary study on spin transport, Nichols et al. observed spin diffusion driven by superexchange coupling.
Science , this issue p. [379][1], p. [383][2]; see also p. [344][3]
[1]: /lookup/doi/10.1126/science.aat4134
[2]: /lookup/doi/10.1126/science.aat4387
[3]: /lookup/doi/10.1126/science.aaw1326
One of the most active areas in atomic, molecular and optical physics is the use of ultracold atomic gases in optical lattices to simulate the behaviour of electrons in condensed matter systems. The larger mass, longer length scale, and tuneable interactions in these systems allow the dynamics of atoms moving in these systems to be followed in real time, and resonant light scattering by the atoms allows this motion to be probed on a microscopic scale using site-resolved imaging. This book reviews the physics of Hubbard-type models for both bosons and fermions in an optical lattice, which give rise to a rich variety of insulating and conducting phases depending on the lattice properties and interparticle interactions. It also discusses the effect of disorder on the transport of atoms in these models, and the recently discovered phenomenon of many-body localization. It presents several examples of experiments using both density and momentum imaging and quantum gas microscopy to study the motion of atoms in optical lattices. These illustrate the power and flexibility of ultracold-lattice analogues for exploring exotic states of matter at an unprecedented level of precision.