Quantum simulation is a versatile approach for exploring many-body quantum systems.
Single-atom imaging using quantum gas microscopes has enabled direct observation
of these systems in optical lattices. In this thesis, we employ a 87Rb quantum gas
microscope to investigate the physics of strongly interacting quantum systems. A key
feature of this microscope is its ability to utilise engineered dynamic light potentials,
which provide additional versatility for simulating complex quantum systems.
We explore the use of dynamically varying microscopic light potentials to study both
commensurate and incommensurate one-dimensional (1D) systems. A system is said to
be commensurate when there is an equal or multiple number of atoms to lattice sites,
otherwise it is said to be incommensurate. In particular, we focus on strongly interacting incommensurate systems which, similar to doped insulating states, exhibit atom
transport and compressibility. We begin with a commensurate system with unit filling
and fixed atom number between two potential barriers. To prepare the incommensurate system, we dynamically adjust the position of the potential barriers, reducing the
number of available lattice sites while maintaining a constant atom number.
We characterise these systems by measuring the distribution of particles and holes
as a function of lattice filling and interaction strength, and probe particle mobility by
applying a bias potential. Our work establishes the groundwork for preparing low-entropy states with controlled filling in optical lattice experiments, thus advancing our
understanding of strongly correlated systems.
Additionally, we utilise these microscopic light potentials to realise the disordered
Bose-Hubbard model, taking initial steps toward exploring the Bose-glass phase. The
study of disordered systems opens new avenues for investigating localisation, phase transitions, and the interplay between disorder and coherence.
| Date of Award | 9 Jun 2025 |
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| Original language | English |
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| Awarding Institution | - University Of Strathclyde
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| Sponsors | EPSRC (Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council) |
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| Supervisor | Stefan Kuhr (Supervisor) & Elmar Haller (Supervisor) |
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