University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Investigation of synthetic gauge fields in two analog simulation platforms

Velkovsky, Ivan

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VELKOVSKY-DISSERTATION-2024.pdf

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https://hdl.handle.net/2142/125631

Description

Title
Investigation of synthetic gauge fields in two analog simulation platforms
Author(s)
Velkovsky, Ivan
Issue Date
2024-07-15
Director of Research (if dissertation) or Advisor (if thesis)
Gadway, Bryce
Doctoral Committee Chair(s)
Covey, Jacob
Committee Member(s)
  • Vishveshwara, Smitha
  • Gollin, George
Department of Study
Physics
Discipline
Physics
Degree Granting Institution
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Degree Name
Ph.D.
Degree Level
Dissertation
Keyword(s)
  • Gauge fields
  • Quantum simulation
  • Analog simulation
  • Rydberg atoms
  • Optical tweezers
  • Electromechanics
Abstract
Gauge fields are a fundamental aspect of much of current physics, being foundational to particle physics as well as playing a large role in our understanding of collective topological phenomena in condensed matter systems. One method of studying gauge field models is through direct engineering and observation of their behavior in a controllable test system. Using this methodology, which in this text I call "analog simulation", we can probe specific regimes of models of interest allowing for detailed study of their properties. Here I present my work on two analog simulation platforms: one based on single neutral Rydberg atoms in optical tweezers, and the second on feedback-coupled mechanical oscillators. I describe my contributions to these experiments as well as the particulars of how we use them to implement our simulations. Then, I show the results of several different experiments on these two platforms, probing both Abelian and non-Abelian gauge field models in a variety of conditions (non-linear interactions, non-reciprocal lattices, and strong entangling dipolar exchange interactions). Finally, I remark on the power and future outlook of the experimental platforms.
Graduation Semester
2024-08
Type of Resource
Thesis
Handle URL
https://hdl.handle.net/2142/125631
Copyright and License Information
Copyright 2024 Ivan Velkovsky

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