No Arabic abstract
Measuring unitarily-evolved quantum mechanical two-time correlations is challenging in general. In a recent paper [P.~Uhrich {em et al.}, Phys. Rev.~A {bf 96}, 022127 (2017)], a considerable simplification of this task has been pointed out to occur in spin-$1/2$ lattice models, bringing such measurements into reach of state-of-the-art or near-future quantum simulators of such models. Here we discuss the challenges of an experimental implementation of measurement schemes of two-time correlations in quantum gas microscopes or microtrap arrays. We propose a modified measurement protocol that mitigates these challenges, and we rigorously estimate the accuracy of the protocols by means of Lieb-Robinson bounds. On the basis of these bounds we identify a parameter regime in which the proposed protocols allow for accurate measurements of the desired two-time correlations.
Motivated by far-reaching applications ranging from quantum simulations of complex processes in physics and chemistry to quantum information processing, a broad effort is currently underway to build large-scale programmable quantum systems. Such systems provide unique insights into strongly correlated quantum matter, while at the same time enabling new methods for computation and metrology. Here, we demonstrate a programmable quantum simulator based on deterministically prepared two-dimensional arrays of neutral atoms, featuring strong interactions controlled via coherent atomic excitation into Rydberg states. Using this approach, we realize a quantum spin model with tunable interactions for system sizes ranging from 64 to 256 qubits. We benchmark the system by creating and characterizing high-fidelity antiferromagnetically ordered states, and demonstrate the universal properties of an Ising quantum phase transition in (2+1) dimensions. We then create and study several new quantum phases that arise from the interplay between interactions and coherent laser excitation, experimentally map the phase diagram, and investigate the role of quantum fluctuations. Offering a new lens into the study of complex quantum matter, these observations pave the way for investigations of exotic quantum phases, non-equilibrium entanglement dynamics, and hardware-efficient realization of quantum algorithms.
Quantum spin liquids, exotic phases of matter with topological order, have been a major focus of explorations in physical science for the past several decades. Such phases feature long-range quantum entanglement that can potentially be exploited to realize robust quantum computation. We use a 219-atom programmable quantum simulator to probe quantum spin liquid states. In our approach, arrays of atoms are placed on the links of a kagome lattice and evolution under Rydberg blockade creates frustrated quantum states with no local order. The onset of a quantum spin liquid phase of the paradigmatic toric code type is detected by evaluating topological string operators that provide direct signatures of topological order and quantum correlations. Its properties are further revealed by using an atom array with nontrivial topology, representing a first step towards topological encoding. Our observations enable the controlled experimental exploration of topological quantum matter and protected quantum information processing.
We propose a method to probe time dependent correlations of non trivial observables in many-body ultracold lattice gases. The scheme uses a quantum non-demolition matter-light interface, first, to map the observable of interest on the many body system into the light and, then, to store coherently such information into an external system acting as a quantum memory. Correlations of the observable at two (or more) instances of time are retrieved with a single final measurement that includes the readout of the quantum memory. Such method brings at reach the study of dynamics of many-body systems in and out of equilibrium by means of quantum memories in the field of quantum simulators.
We present a non-destructive method to probe a complex quantum system using multiple impurity atoms as quantum probes. Our protocol provides access to different equilibrium properties of the system by changing its coupling to the probes. In particular, we show that measurements with two probes reveal the systems non-local two-point density correlations, for probe-system contact interactions. We illustrate our findings with analytic and numerical calculations for the Bose-Hubbard model in the weakly and strongly-interacting regimes, under conditions relevant to ongoing experiments in cold atom systems.
Multipartite entanglement tomography, namely the quantum Fisher information (QFI) calculated with respect to different collective operators, allows to fully characterize the phase diagram of the quantum Ising chain in a transverse field with variable-range coupling. In particular, it recognizes the phase stemming from long-range antiferromagnetic coupling, a capability also shared by the spin squeezing. Furthermore, the QFI locates the quantum critical points, both with vanishing and nonvanishing mass gap. In this case, we also relate the finite-size power-law exponent of the QFI to the critical exponents of the model, finding a signal for the breakdown of conformal invariance in the deep long-range regime. Finally, the effect of a finite temperature on the multipartite entanglement, and ultimately on the phase stability, is considered. In light of the current realizations of the model with trapped ions and of the potential measurability of the QFI, our approach yields a promising strategy to probe long-range physics in controllable quantum systems.