Speaker: Jacob Sherson (IFA)  

Title: Controlling individual atoms: quantum simulation and computation in optical lattices 

 

Time: Today, 15.15 to 16.00  

Place: Fysisk Auditorium  

 

Abstract:

Quantum computers have two applications: first, to perform quantum computations such as fast 

factorization of numbers, and, secondly, to simulate the dynamics of many-body quantum systems that due 

to the degree of complexity cannot be modelled classically. In this talk I will discuss how both of these can be 

implemented using optical lattices - artificial crystals of light - which are characterized by a high degree of 

purity, regularity, and tunability of interaction parameters. 

One of the future hopes of quantum simulation is to solve the enigma of high Tc-superconductivity. First, 

however, the validity of the approach has to be established by applying the quantum simulator to a well 

understood process. This has been studied over the past half a decade for the so-called superfluid to Mott 

insulator transition in optical lattices, but so far all experiments have been performed with an optical 

resolution much worse than the lattice spacing and therefore only spatially averaged quantities of the system 

have been extracted.  

I will describe our novel experimental approach in which we have sufficient resolution to observe single 

lattice sites. This allows us to observe and control the dynamics down to the level of individual atoms. I will 

present our first results and outline part of the multitude of new avenues of research that will be possible 

using these techniques. 

 

Peter Staanum and Nicolai Nygaard