Dynamical Lattices, Gauge Fields, and Generalized Light Forces

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The experimental development of cold gases of atoms and molecules has led to a novel set of systems which can show complex collective behaviour. In the ultracold regime (when the de Broglie wavelength exceeds the interparticle spacing) these gases must be described by quantum theory, and new forms of collective quantum behaviour can emerge.Ultracold gases allow unprecedented control of the coherent quantum dynamics of many-particle systems. Recent experimental developments have opened up new ways in which cold gases can be controlled, by using light to imprint synthetic gauge fields. These gauge fields allow cold neutral atoms to experience effective magnetic fields, and have been shown to lead to inter-particle interactions of non-zero range and to provide ways to measure the atomic motion from spectroscopy of internal atomic states. Furthermore, the development of theories of optically induced gauge fields has identified qualitatively new forms of light-force acting on particles.In this work we explore new opportunities that are presented by these recent advances in experimental capabilities and recent theoretical developments. We shall investigate: (1) the collective quantum behaviour of strongly interacting atoms subjected to dynamically modulated optical lattices and gauge fields: (2) Collective quantum behaviour of strongly interacting atoms coupled to a quantum gauge field; and (3) Generalized light forces on atoms and molecules.The scientific goals of the research include: uncovering and describing new forms of collective behaviour of non-equilibrium many body systems; finding cooling strategies for atoms and molecules; and developing new ways to manipulate atoms/molecules with light. In particular, the research will explore and illuminate new possibilities for the coherent quantum control of extended many-body quantum systems.