Controlled and Uncontrolled Disorder in Optical Lattice Emulators

Abstract

Abstract : Our work studies novel phases of matter potentially realizable with ultracold atomic gases confined in optical lattices and models the impact of controlled and uncontrolled disorder on these optical lattice phases. Atoms (either bosons or fermions) placed in optical lattices can interact to form strongly correlated states. Our work seeks to foster experimental work with these states, which include, superfluids, superconductors, supersolids, glasses, topological states, and other quantum many-body states because they are of fundamental importance in understanding the collective behavior of quantum particles. These states are potentially impacted by spatial and phase fluctuations, trapping, laser noise, and other sources of uncontrolled disorder. Controlled disorder can also be used to drive the system into interesting new regimes as well. This award has led to significant accomplishments over the past three years that pertain directly to the goals of the grant: 22 publications and manuscripts (5 in Physical Review Letters), 13 students and postdocs mentored, 27 invited presentations given. The award has also allowed us to establish direct connections with experimental groups (via travel and shared projects).