Probing Relativity and Many-Body Physics with Ion Coulomb Crystals

by Prof. Tanja Mehlstaeubler

Ptb, Germany

at Quantum optics seminar

Wed, 23 Dec 2020, 15:00
ZOOM

Abstract

Zoom details:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83830322032?pwd=elh1SVlRVTlBWXRIcjV0VS9uMkZndz09
Meeting ID: 838 3032 2032
Passcode: 137152

ABSTRACT:
Single trapped and laser-cooled ions in Paul traps allow for a high degree of control of atomic quantum systems. They are the basis for modern atomic clocks, quantum computers and quantum simulators. Our research aims to use ion Coulomb crystals, i.e. many-body systems with complex dynamics, for precision spectroscopy. This paves the way to novel optical frequency standards for applications such as relativistic geodesy and quantum simulators in which complex dynamics becomes accessible with atomic resolution. We present our work on a multi-ion clock and work towards an improved test of local Lorentz invariance with laser-cooled ions. The high-level of control of self-organized Coulomb crystals also opens up a fascinating insight into the non-equilibrium dynamics of coupled many-body systems, displaying atomic friction and symmetry-breaking phase transitions. We discuss the creation of topological defects and Kibble-Zurek tests in 2D crystals and present recent results on the study of tribology and transport mediated by the topological defect.

Created on 17-12-2020 by Folman, Ron (folman)
Updaded on 17-12-2020 by Folman, Ron (folman)