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Physics and High Technology

Quantum Simulation Using Ultracold Neutral Atoms

Jongchul Mun, J. Park, Yong-il Shin, Jae-yoon CHOI

Published Jun 26, 2025• 0 citations
Publisher

Abstract

Recent experimental advances in laser cooling and trapping have enabled the creation of atomic gases at ultra-low temperatures in the nano-Kelvin regime, offering a highly controllable and versatile platform for quantum simulation of diverse many-body quantum phenomena. In this review, we provide an overview of quantum simulation using ultracold neutral atoms and highlight our recent research efforts in this area, along with a discussion of promising future directions.

DOI
10.3938/phit.34.017

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Abstract Quantum computers have the potential to solve problems that are difficult or impossible to address using classical modes of computation. Laser cooled neutral atoms at ultracold temperatures offer unique possibilities to study interacting many-body quantum systems which is at the heart of various quantum condensed matter phenomena. The first-generation neutral atom quantum computers for performing special purpose quantum computations was realized by trapping ultracold atoms in optical lattices. These tunable and scalable machines provided tremendous opportunities to study various quantum phases of Bose and Fermi Hubbard models, topological phases, and non-equilibrium dynamics, with control over key system parameters enabling insightful explorations within specific quantum models. In a more recent advent, arrays of single neutral atoms trapped in optical tweezers have emerged as dark horse candidate for universal and fault tolerant quantum computing. Here, we review recent advances and achievements obtained with this platform and discuss future perspectives.
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The relaxation of isolated quantum many-body systems is a major unsolved problem connecting statistical and quantum physics. Studying such relaxation processes remains a challenge despite considerable efforts. Experimentally, it requires the creation and manipulation of well-controlled and truly isolated quantum systems. In this context, ultracold neutral atoms provide unique opportunities to understand nonequilibrium phenomena because of the large set of available methods to isolate, manipulate, and probe these systems. Here, we give an overview of the rapid experimental progress that has been made in the field over the past few years and highlight some of the questions that may be explored in the future.
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