Ultracold atoms as a tool for quantum simulation, sensing, and computing
Means of controlling the internal and motional states of neutral atoms allow us to create novel quantum systems with enormous flexibility. These atomic systems serve as a play-space to explore current topics in quantum science. I will highlight this development by providing examples from my research group’s work. In particular, I will show how ultracold atoms placed at the intersection of several laser beams can probe geometric aspects of band structure in new ways. I will show how real-time measurements on quantum systems can shed light on non-equilibrium thermodynamics in mesoscopic systems. I will also show how single atoms can be used as single-quantum sensors in a scanning-probe microscope. Finally, I will share some ideas on how ultracold atoms can play a role in quantum computing, and describe Berkeley’s new Challenge Institute for Quantum Computing as a home for such work.
Department of Physics