We use reconfigurable arrays of neutral atoms with programmable interactions to study quantum many-body phenomena. In particular we are developing new methods to trap large arrays of atoms (>1000) in arbitrary 2D geometries using optical tweezer arrays. Coherent interactions between the atoms are generated by coupling the atoms to highly excited Rydberg states. With these tools we explore emergent phenomena such as quantum phase transitions, out-of equilibrium dynamics, and topological phases of matter with the ability to control and probe these systems atom-by-atom.
Related literature:
Quantum Kibble–Zurek mechanism and critical dynamics on a programmable Rydberg simulator
Nature 568, 207–211 (2019); arXiv
Probing many-body dynamics on a 51-atom quantum simulator
Nature 551, 579 (2017); arXiv
Topic review:
Browaeys, Lahaye: Many-body physics with individually controlled Rydberg atoms
Nature Physics 16, 132 (2020)