Abstract
We propose a scheme to simulate lattice spin models based on strong, long-range interacting Rydberg atoms stored in a large-spacing array of magnetic microtraps. Each spin is encoded in a collective spin state involving a single nS or Rydberg atom excited from an ensemble of ground-state alkali atoms prepared via Rydberg blockade. After the excitation laser is switched off, the Rydberg spin states on neighbouring lattice sites interact via general XXZ spin–spin interactions. To read out the collective spin states we propose a single Rydberg atom triggered avalanche scheme in which the presence of a single Rydberg atom conditionally transfers a large number of ground-state atoms in the trap to an untrapped state which can be readily detected by site-resolved absorption imaging. Such a quantum simulator should allow the study of quantum spin systems in almost arbitrary one-dimensional and two-dimensional configurations. This paves the way towards engineering exotic spin models, such as spin models based on triangular-symmetry lattices which can give rise to frustrated-spin magnetism.
Highlights
Periodic arrays of quantum spins coupled through magnetic interactions represent an archetypal model system in quantum many-body physics, non-equilibrium physics, statistical physics and condensed matter physics, with potential implications ranging from quantum magnetism to quantum information science, spintronics and high-temperature superconductivity [1,2,3]
To read out the collective spin states we propose a single Rydberg atom triggered avalanche scheme in which the presence of a single Rydberg atom conditionally transfers a large number of ground-state atoms in the trap to an untrapped state which can be readily detected by site-resolved absorption imaging
Each spin is encoded in a collective spin state involving a single rubidium nP Rydberg atom in an ensemble of ground-state Rb atoms prepared via Rydberg blockade [22] (Fig. 1)
Summary
Periodic arrays of quantum spins coupled through magnetic interactions represent an archetypal model system in quantum many-body physics, non-equilibrium physics, statistical physics and condensed matter physics, with potential implications ranging from quantum magnetism to quantum information science, spintronics and high-temperature superconductivity [1,2,3]. In this paper we propose the use of long-range interacting Rydberg atoms prepared in a large-spacing (several μm) lattice of magnetic microtraps [11,12,13,14,15,16,17] to simulate lattice spin models. This scheme is similar to earlier proposals to create Rydberg quantum gates in mesoscopic ensembles in the context of quantum information science [18,19,20,21]. The timescales associated with atomic motion (∼ ms) or lifetimes of high nP Rydberg states (> 50 μs) [24] are long compared to the timescales associated with strong Rydberg-Rydberg interactions (∼1 μs), which enables investigation of nonequilibrium spin dynamics on both short and long times, including, for example, the build-up of spin-spin correlations following a sudden quench of the system parameters
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
