Theoretical AMO Studies of Non-Equilibrium and Emergent Many-Body Quantum Physics

未来的技术，如量子计算或先进电子学，是基于对具有大量相互作用自由度的量子力学系统的控制和理解。涉及激光、光腔和冷原子的高精度实验已经成为演示这种控制并揭示可以利用的原理的理想环境。这个项目涉及使用理论物理的工具来模拟这些实验，寻找组织原则，探索新的现象，并使未来的进展成为可能。这项研究的智力价值在于加深了对自然界的理解和更好的控制，这可能会对量子技术产生更广泛的影响。这些科学项目既解决了长期存在的挑战，如过渡金属氧化物中的奇异金属行为，也解决了耗散工程方面的新发展。这个项目将在超冷原子和里德堡极化子中模拟非平衡和浮现的多体物理。这项研究围绕三个相互关联的主题展开：强关联多体系统中的输运，开放和非平衡量子系统的控制，以及一维量子系统的建模。第一个方向涉及模拟实验，在这些实验中，超冷原子模拟电子在“高温超导体”中的行为。通过这种模拟，人们希望可以限制高温超导背后的机制，为室温超导提供进展。第二个方向涉及使用量子信息界发展起来的想法来控制量子多体系统。它的动机是围绕原子、分子和光学系统中的平衡正在进行的实验挑战。第三个方向涉及为探索连续统一维系统的行为而产生新的数值算法。这将是回答关于平衡和模拟实验的基本问题的关键。这一奖项反映了NSF的法定使命，并通过使用基金会的智力优势和更广泛的影响审查标准进行评估，被认为值得支持。

Future technology, such as quantum computation or advanced electronics, is predicated on gaining control and understanding of quantum mechanical systems with large numbers of interacting degrees of freedom. High precision experiments involving lasers, optical cavities and cold atoms have become the ideal setting to demonstrate this control and uncover the principles which can be exploited. This project involves using the tools of theoretical physics to model these experiments, seek organizing principles, explore novel phenomena, and enable future progress. The intellectual merit of this research lies in developing a deeper understanding and better control of the natural world, which may have associated broader impacts in quantum technology. The scientific projects address both long-standing challenges such as exotic "strange metal" behavior in transition metal oxides as well as novel developments in dissipation engineering. This project will model non-equilibrium and emergent many body physics in ultracold atoms and Rydberg polaritons. The research is organized around three interconnected themes: transport in strongly correlated many-body systems, control of open and out-of-equilibrium quantum systems, and modeling 1D quantum systems. The first direction involves modeling experiments in which ultracold atoms emulate the behavior of electrons in “high temperature superconductors.” Through this modeling, it is hoped the mechanism behind high temperature superconductivity may be constrained, providing progress towards room temperature superconductivity. The second direction involves using ideas developed in the quantum information community to control quantum many-body systems. It is motivated by ongoing experimental challenges around equilibration in atomic, molecular, and optical systems. The third direction involves producing new numerical algorithms for exploring the behavior of continuum one-dimensional systems. This will be key to answering fundamental questions about equilibration, and modeling experiments.This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.