Stockholm university

Research project New frontiers of quantum systems with long-ranged and light-mediated interactions

We study ultracold systems with long-ranged and light-mediated interactions to discover new quantum phases with the potential to revolutionize technology and our understanding of the world at the microscopic scale.

Imagine a world colder than the coldest place on Earth, where particles move so slowly they obey quantum mechanics rather than classical physics. This is the realm of ultracold atom and molecular optics (AMO), where atoms and molecules near absolute zero reveal bizarre behaviors. This project explores two unique interactions: long-distance interactions (LRI) appearing in particles with permanent dipole moments and light-mediated interactions (LMI) arising when particles interact with light. These "quantum superpowers" enable particles to interact across distances without contact, leading to new quantum states of matter. Such states could revolutionize technology, from computing to communication, breaking limits of classical physics. This knowledge lays the foundation for transformative quantum technologies and the next technological revolution.

Project description

Impressive technical advances in controlling magnetic atoms, dipolar molecules, and Rydberg atoms have propelled ultracold atomic and molecular optics (AMO) to the forefront of research in quantum simulation and computation, novel quantum phases, and entanglement. This project explores new frontiers enabled by long-ranged interactions (LRI) and light-mediated interactions (LMI) arising in these systems. The core aim is to develop a computational framework to overcome challenges posed by high complexity and entanglement, using exact diagonalization, multiconfigurational methods, and machine learning. With it, we will study the ground-state properties and dynamics of AMO experiments, elucidate the interplay between LRI and LMI, and explore the role of dissipation through innovative protocols. The significance of this research lies in providing a systematic methodology for investigating LRI/LMI systems, thus enhancing our understanding of novel correlated phases and contributing to progress in quantum computing and simulation. Organized into a tiered structure for detailed analysis, this interdisciplinary project combines quantum optics, condensed matter physics, computational physics, and artificial intelligence to pioneer new computational and theoretical pathways. By addressing both fundamental and computational challenges, it promises significant insights into the realization of quantum states with exotic properties to be harnessed in quantum technologies.

Project members

Project managers

Paolo Molignini

Postdoctor

Department of Physics
Paolo Molignini

researchProjectPageLayout