Theory of quantum systems

Abstract:

Ultracold atoms carrying Orbital Angular Momentum (OAM) loaded in lattices constitute a promising platform for engineering topological systems either at the single-particle limit or in the presence of interactions. In this review, we report recent progress on this topic with the focus on bosons with OAM l = 1 in lattices of coplanar ring potentials, which provide an ideal scenario to realise topological non-trivial phases of matter

Abstract:

Single-atom imaging resolution of many-body quantum systems in optical lattices is routinely achieved with quantum-gas microscopes. Key to their great versatility as quantum simulators is the ability to use engineered light potentials at the microscopic level. Here, we employ dynamically varying microscopic light potentials in a quantum-gas microscope to study commensurate and incommensurate 1D systems of interacting bosonic Rb atoms. Such incommensurate systems are analogous to doped insulating states that exhibit atom transport and compressibility. Initially, a commensurate system with unit filling and fixed atom number is prepared between two potential barriers. We deterministically create an incommensurate system by dynamically changing the position of the barriers such that the number of available lattice sites is reduced while retaining the atom number. Our systems are characterised by measuring the distribution of particles and holes as a function of the lattice filling, and interaction strength, and we probe the particle mobility by applying a bias potential. Our work provides the foundation for preparation of low-entropy states with controlled filling in optical-lattice experiments.Comment: 12 pages, 10 figure