Investigation of synthetic gauge fields in two analog simulation platforms

Velkovsky, Ivan

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

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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