Atoms as simulators of other physics: a brief introduction
Berry Lecture Theatre
Quantum systems based on cold and ultracold atoms offer a unique playground for the study of interesting quantum phenomena due to their diversity and controllability. Placing these atoms in the periodic lattice potentials offered by sets of interfering laser beams allows for the study of statics, dynamics, and phase transitions so-called quantum simulators that can mimic, among other things, material systems. The advent of quantum gas microscopes capable of measuring the atoms’ positions in these lattices to within a single lattice site has opened the playground of possible studies even wider.
This talk cannot cover the wide range of experiments done around the world using these incredible systems. My goal is, rather, to teach you what you need to know to understand the research done in the field. That is, I will briefly cover how one cools and traps atoms in light fields before describing the basics of quantum gas microscopy, as well as some of the limitations and challenges of microscopy-based quantum simulators. The last bit of the tutorial will comprise a whirlwind overview of some of the recent work being done on the study of systems relevant to quantum simulations (even of things like high-energy/particle physics!), giving the interested reader the foundation needed to learn more and some relevant literature with which to start.