Reception with cake in the h-bar (3rd floor, X-wing) following the talk.
Abstract: Individually trapped neutral atoms are a promising platform for the controlled, bottom-up engineering of quantum many-body systems. These systems enable manipulation of large numbers of atoms and facilitate strong interactions via excitation to Rydberg states, paving the way for the realization of programmable spin models. In the first part of this talk, I will provide an overview of the quantum many-body phenomena that emerge in these systems, both in and out of equilibrium. I will then focus on global quench dynamics in Rydberg atom arrays, exploring thermalization phenomena such as quantum many-body scars. Furthermore, I will discuss the computational complexity underlying this dynamics by demonstrating its capability to encode arbitrary quantum circuits. In the second part, I will address methods to realize topologically ordered states within Rydberg atom arrays. Specifically, I will present novel approaches to detecting topological order in such quantum simulators.
The Physics Frontiers Centers (PFC) program supports university-based centers and institutes where the collective efforts of a larger group of individuals can enable transformational advances in the most promising research areas. The program is designed to foster major breakthroughs at the intellectual frontiers of physics by providing needed resources such as combinations of talents, skills, disciplines, and/or specialized infrastructure, not usually available to individual investigators or small groups, in an environment in which the collective efforts of the larger group can be shown to be seminal to promoting significant progress in the science and the education of students. PFCs also include creative, substantive activities aimed at enhancing education, broadening participation of traditionally underrepresented groups, and outreach to the scientific community and general public.