Modelling Condensed Matter Systems with Quantum Gases in Optical Cavities

Quantum simulators are experimentally very accessible systems whose behaviour resembles that of a complex quantum system which cannot be studied as easily otherwise. They are hence expected to provide new insight into condensed matter systems and may become the first application of quantum computers. Current research on quantum simulators focusses mainly on the generation of the ground states of so-called frustration free Hamiltonians. Here we plan to go a step further. Our aim is to design and to build a quantum simulator which studies the behaviour of even more complex condensed matter systems, i.e. of systems with strong couplings as well as highly non-local interactions and with non-zero dissipation. Such a system can be realised by an experiment which combines a Bose Einstein condensate (BEC) with an optical cavity. We plan to set up such an experiment and to model it theoretically as precisely as possible. The planned research draws on our common expertise in cavity-QED, non-linear dynamics, cold atoms, quantum optics, and many-body systems.

Who will benefit? Due to the fundamental nature of the research, it is anticipated that the main benefits of this research are likely to be through increasing and improving knowledge across a range of disciplines in physics including e.g. cold atoms, nonlinear physics, quantum optics & information, and in the development of highly skilled people (post-docs and research students). The research students and post-docs will benefit through development of a range of technical and professional skills which are transferrable to a wide range of industrial and academic disciplines. How will they benefit? The post-doctoral researchers will develop generic skills in elements of project management and PhD supervision. Both postdoctoral researchers and research students will develop teamwork, communication and presentation skills. In addition, both will also develop transferrable technical skills dependent on their role in the project (computational, analytical or practical in e.g optical & vacuum technologies). What will be done ? Potential users and beneficiaries of this research will be informed of progress and results via publications in journals widely read by researchers in a range of physics disciplines (PRL, Nature Physics/Photonics, Phys. Rev, New J. Phys, J. Phys. B), and via conference presentations at domestic and international conferences (Photon, QEP, CLEO/EQEC, etc). During the course of the project there will be regular exchange of information betweeen project partners through frequent exchange of written progress reports, supplemented by one/two day progress meetings every six months at which progress will be presented by the researchers (post-docs and students) and discussed. Some of these meetings will be advertised as workshops where interested researchers will be invited to attend and participate. In addition, the project partners will maintain a webpage, dedicated to the project and where possible interactive media relevant to the research project will be developed.