Probing and Controlling Quantum Matter in Artificial Crystals of Light

          @misc{ pirsa_PIRSA:15060023,
            doi = {10.48660/15060023},
            url = {https://pirsa.org/15060023},
            author = {Bloch, Immanuel},
            keywords = {},
            language = {en},
            title = {Probing and Controlling Quantum Matter in Artificial Crystals of Light},
            publisher = {Perimeter Institute},
            year = {2015},
            month = {jun},
            note = {PIRSA:15060023 see, \url{https://pirsa.org}}
          }
          

Abstract

More than 30 years ago, Richard Feynman outlined the visionary concept of a quantum simulator for carrying out complex physics calculations. Today, his dream has become a reality in laboratories around the world. All this has become possible using complex experimental setups of thousands of optical elements, allowing atoms to be cooled to Nanokelvin temperatures, where they almost come to rest. The atoms can then be trapped and manipulated in arrays of millions of microscopic light traps. Such 'light crystals' allow an unprecedented view into the microscopic world of quantum materials and have enabled the most precise atomic clocks to date that are fundamental to next generation timing and navigation applications. In my talk, I will give an introduction how such quantum simulators can be realized at the lowest man-made known temperatures and outline some of their applications ranging from condensed matter physics over statistical physics to high energy physics with table-top experiment.