Project acronym CutLoops
Project Loop amplitudes in quantum field theory
Researcher (PI) Ruth Britto
Host Institution (HI) THE PROVOST, FELLOWS, FOUNDATION SCHOLARS & THE OTHER MEMBERS OF BOARD OF THE COLLEGE OF THE HOLY & UNDIVIDED TRINITY OF QUEEN ELIZABETH NEAR DUBLIN
Call Details Consolidator Grant (CoG), PE2, ERC-2014-CoG
Summary The traditional formulation of relativistic quantum theory is ill-equipped to handle the range of difficult computations needed to describe particle collisions at the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) within a suitable time frame. Yet, recent work shows that probability amplitudes in quantum gauge field theories, such as those describing the Standard Model and its extensions, take surprisingly simple forms. The simplicity indicates deep structure in gauge theory that has already led to dramatic computational improvements, but remains to be fully understood. For precision calculations and investigations of the deep structure of gauge theory, a comprehensive method for computing multi-loop amplitudes systematically and efficiently must be found.
The goal of this proposal is to construct a new and complete approach to computing amplitudes from a detailed understanding of their singularities, based on prior successes of so-called on-shell methods combined with the latest developments in the mathematics of Feynman integrals. Scattering processes relevant to the LHC and to formal investigations of quantum field theory will be computed within the new framework.
Summary
The traditional formulation of relativistic quantum theory is ill-equipped to handle the range of difficult computations needed to describe particle collisions at the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) within a suitable time frame. Yet, recent work shows that probability amplitudes in quantum gauge field theories, such as those describing the Standard Model and its extensions, take surprisingly simple forms. The simplicity indicates deep structure in gauge theory that has already led to dramatic computational improvements, but remains to be fully understood. For precision calculations and investigations of the deep structure of gauge theory, a comprehensive method for computing multi-loop amplitudes systematically and efficiently must be found.
The goal of this proposal is to construct a new and complete approach to computing amplitudes from a detailed understanding of their singularities, based on prior successes of so-called on-shell methods combined with the latest developments in the mathematics of Feynman integrals. Scattering processes relevant to the LHC and to formal investigations of quantum field theory will be computed within the new framework.
Max ERC Funding
1 954 065 €
Duration
Start date: 2015-10-01, End date: 2020-09-30
Project acronym ERQUAF
Project Entanglement and Renormalisation for Quantum Fields
Researcher (PI) Jutho Jan J HAEGEMAN
Host Institution (HI) UNIVERSITEIT GENT
Call Details Starting Grant (StG), PE2, ERC-2016-STG
Summary Over the past fifteen years, the paradigm of quantum entanglement has revolutionised the understanding of strongly correlated lattice systems. Entanglement and closely related concepts originating from quantum information theory are optimally suited for quantifying and characterising quantum correlations and have therefore proven instrumental for the classification of the exotic phases discovered in condensed quantum matter. One groundbreaking development originating from this research is a novel class of variational many body wave functions known as tensor network states. Their explicit local structure and unique entanglement features make them very flexible and extremely powerful both as a numerical simulation method and as a theoretical tool.
The goal of this proposal is to lift this “entanglement methodology” into the realm of quantum field theory. In high energy physics, the widespread interest in entanglement has only been triggered recently due to the intriguing connections between entanglement and the structure of spacetime that arise in black hole physics and quantum gravity. During the past few years, direct continuum limits of various tensor network ansätze have been formulated. However, the application thereof is largely unexplored territory and holds promising potential. This proposal formulates several advancements and developments for the theoretical and computational study of continuous quantum systems, gauge theories and exotic quantum phases, but also for establishing the intricate relation between entanglement, renormalisation and geometry in the context of the holographic principle. Ultimately, these developments will radically alter the way in which to approach some of the most challenging questions in physics, ranging from the simulation of cold atom systems to non-equilibrium or high-density situations in quantum chromodynamics and the standard model.
Summary
Over the past fifteen years, the paradigm of quantum entanglement has revolutionised the understanding of strongly correlated lattice systems. Entanglement and closely related concepts originating from quantum information theory are optimally suited for quantifying and characterising quantum correlations and have therefore proven instrumental for the classification of the exotic phases discovered in condensed quantum matter. One groundbreaking development originating from this research is a novel class of variational many body wave functions known as tensor network states. Their explicit local structure and unique entanglement features make them very flexible and extremely powerful both as a numerical simulation method and as a theoretical tool.
The goal of this proposal is to lift this “entanglement methodology” into the realm of quantum field theory. In high energy physics, the widespread interest in entanglement has only been triggered recently due to the intriguing connections between entanglement and the structure of spacetime that arise in black hole physics and quantum gravity. During the past few years, direct continuum limits of various tensor network ansätze have been formulated. However, the application thereof is largely unexplored territory and holds promising potential. This proposal formulates several advancements and developments for the theoretical and computational study of continuous quantum systems, gauge theories and exotic quantum phases, but also for establishing the intricate relation between entanglement, renormalisation and geometry in the context of the holographic principle. Ultimately, these developments will radically alter the way in which to approach some of the most challenging questions in physics, ranging from the simulation of cold atom systems to non-equilibrium or high-density situations in quantum chromodynamics and the standard model.
Max ERC Funding
1 499 375 €
Duration
Start date: 2017-02-01, End date: 2022-01-31
Project acronym HELIOS
Project Heavy Element Laser Ionization Spectroscopy
Researcher (PI) Pieter Van Duppen
Host Institution (HI) KATHOLIEKE UNIVERSITEIT LEUVEN
Call Details Advanced Grant (AdG), PE2, ERC-2011-ADG_20110209
Summary The aim of this proposal is to develop a novel laser-spectroscopy method and to study nuclear and atomic properties of heaviests elements in order to address the following key questions:
- Is the existence of the heaviest isotopes determined by the interplay between single-particle and collective nucleon degrees of freedom in the atomic nucleus?
- How do relativistic effects and isotopic composition influence the valence atomic structure of the heaviest elements?
The new approach is based on in-gas jet, high-repetition, high-resolution laser resonance ionization spectroscopy of short-lived nuclear-reaction products stopped in a buffer gas cell. The final goal is to couple the new system to the strongest production facility under construction at the ESFRI-listed SPIRAL-2 facility at GANIL (France) and to study isotopes from actinium to nobelium and heavier elements.
An increase of the primary intensity, efficiency, selectivity and spectral resolution by one order of magnitude compared to present-day techniques is envisaged, which is essential to obtain the required data .
The challenges are:
- decoupling the high-intensity heavy ion production beam (> 10^14 particles per second) from the low-intensity reaction products (few atoms per second)
- cooling of the reaction products from MeV/u to meV/u within less then hundred milliseconds
- separating the wanted from the, by orders of magnitude overwhelming, unwanted isotopes
- performing high-resolution laser spectroscopy on a minute amount of atoms in an efficient way.
Nuclear properties (charge radii, nuclear moments and spins) as well as atomic properties (transition energies and ionization potentials) will be deduced in regions of the nuclear chart where they are not known: the neutron-deficient isotopes of the actinide elements, up to nobelium (Z = 102) and beyond. The data will validate state-of-the-art calculations, identify critical weaknesses and guide further theoretical developments.
Summary
The aim of this proposal is to develop a novel laser-spectroscopy method and to study nuclear and atomic properties of heaviests elements in order to address the following key questions:
- Is the existence of the heaviest isotopes determined by the interplay between single-particle and collective nucleon degrees of freedom in the atomic nucleus?
- How do relativistic effects and isotopic composition influence the valence atomic structure of the heaviest elements?
The new approach is based on in-gas jet, high-repetition, high-resolution laser resonance ionization spectroscopy of short-lived nuclear-reaction products stopped in a buffer gas cell. The final goal is to couple the new system to the strongest production facility under construction at the ESFRI-listed SPIRAL-2 facility at GANIL (France) and to study isotopes from actinium to nobelium and heavier elements.
An increase of the primary intensity, efficiency, selectivity and spectral resolution by one order of magnitude compared to present-day techniques is envisaged, which is essential to obtain the required data .
The challenges are:
- decoupling the high-intensity heavy ion production beam (> 10^14 particles per second) from the low-intensity reaction products (few atoms per second)
- cooling of the reaction products from MeV/u to meV/u within less then hundred milliseconds
- separating the wanted from the, by orders of magnitude overwhelming, unwanted isotopes
- performing high-resolution laser spectroscopy on a minute amount of atoms in an efficient way.
Nuclear properties (charge radii, nuclear moments and spins) as well as atomic properties (transition energies and ionization potentials) will be deduced in regions of the nuclear chart where they are not known: the neutron-deficient isotopes of the actinide elements, up to nobelium (Z = 102) and beyond. The data will validate state-of-the-art calculations, identify critical weaknesses and guide further theoretical developments.
Max ERC Funding
2 458 397 €
Duration
Start date: 2012-03-01, End date: 2017-02-28
Project acronym High-Spin-Grav
Project Higher Spin Gravity and Generalized Spacetime Geometry
Researcher (PI) Marc HENNEAUX
Host Institution (HI) UNIVERSITE LIBRE DE BRUXELLES
Call Details Advanced Grant (AdG), PE2, ERC-2015-AdG
Summary Extensions of Einstein’s gravity containing higher spin gauge fields (massless fields with spin greater than two) constitute a very active and challenging field of research, raising many fascinating issues and questions in different areas of physics. However, in spite of the impressive achievements already in store, it is fair to say that higher spin gravity has not delivered its full potential yet and still faces a rich number of challenges, both conceptual and technical. The objective of this proposal is to deepen our understanding of higher spin gravity, following five interconnected central themes that will constitute the backbone of the project: (i) how to construct an action principle; (ii) how to understand the generalized space-time geometry invariant under the higher-spin gauge symmetry – a key fundamental issue in the project; (iii) what is the precise asymptotic structure of the theory at infinity; (iv) what is the connection of the higher spin algebras with the hidden symmetries of gravitational theories; (v) what are the implications of hypersymmetry, which is the higher-spin version of supersymmetry. Holography in three and higher dimensions will constitute an essential tool.
One of the motivations of the project is the connection of higher spin gravity with tensionless string theory and consistent theories of quantum gravity.
Summary
Extensions of Einstein’s gravity containing higher spin gauge fields (massless fields with spin greater than two) constitute a very active and challenging field of research, raising many fascinating issues and questions in different areas of physics. However, in spite of the impressive achievements already in store, it is fair to say that higher spin gravity has not delivered its full potential yet and still faces a rich number of challenges, both conceptual and technical. The objective of this proposal is to deepen our understanding of higher spin gravity, following five interconnected central themes that will constitute the backbone of the project: (i) how to construct an action principle; (ii) how to understand the generalized space-time geometry invariant under the higher-spin gauge symmetry – a key fundamental issue in the project; (iii) what is the precise asymptotic structure of the theory at infinity; (iv) what is the connection of the higher spin algebras with the hidden symmetries of gravitational theories; (v) what are the implications of hypersymmetry, which is the higher-spin version of supersymmetry. Holography in three and higher dimensions will constitute an essential tool.
One of the motivations of the project is the connection of higher spin gravity with tensionless string theory and consistent theories of quantum gravity.
Max ERC Funding
1 841 868 €
Duration
Start date: 2016-10-01, End date: 2021-09-30
Project acronym HOLOBHC
Project Holography for realistic black holes and cosmologies
Researcher (PI) Geoffrey Gaston Joseph Jean-Vincent Compère
Host Institution (HI) UNIVERSITE LIBRE DE BRUXELLES
Call Details Starting Grant (StG), PE2, ERC-2013-StG
Summary String theory provides with a consistent framework which combines quantum mechanics and gravity. Two grand challenges of fundamental physics - building realistic models of black holes and cosmologies - can be addressed in this framework thanks to novel holographic methods.
Recent astrophysical evidence indicates that some black holes rotate extremely fast, as close as 98% to the extremality bound. No quantum gravity model for such black holes has been formulated so far. My first objective is building the first model in string theory of an extremal black hole. Taking on this challenge is made possible thanks to recent advances in a remarkable duality known as the gauge/gravity correspondence. If successful, this program will pave the way to a description of quantum gravity effects that have been conjectured to occur close to the horizon of very fast rotating black holes.
Supernovae detection has established that our universe is starting a phase of accelerated expansion. This brings a pressing need to better understand still enigmatic features of de Sitter spacetime that models our universe at late times. My second objective is to derive new universal properties of the cosmological horizon of de Sitter spacetime using tools inspired from the gauge/gravity correspondence. These results will contribute to understand its remarkable entropy, which, according to the standard model of cosmology, bounds the entropy of our observable universe.
Summary
String theory provides with a consistent framework which combines quantum mechanics and gravity. Two grand challenges of fundamental physics - building realistic models of black holes and cosmologies - can be addressed in this framework thanks to novel holographic methods.
Recent astrophysical evidence indicates that some black holes rotate extremely fast, as close as 98% to the extremality bound. No quantum gravity model for such black holes has been formulated so far. My first objective is building the first model in string theory of an extremal black hole. Taking on this challenge is made possible thanks to recent advances in a remarkable duality known as the gauge/gravity correspondence. If successful, this program will pave the way to a description of quantum gravity effects that have been conjectured to occur close to the horizon of very fast rotating black holes.
Supernovae detection has established that our universe is starting a phase of accelerated expansion. This brings a pressing need to better understand still enigmatic features of de Sitter spacetime that models our universe at late times. My second objective is to derive new universal properties of the cosmological horizon of de Sitter spacetime using tools inspired from the gauge/gravity correspondence. These results will contribute to understand its remarkable entropy, which, according to the standard model of cosmology, bounds the entropy of our observable universe.
Max ERC Funding
1 020 084 €
Duration
Start date: 2014-02-01, End date: 2019-01-31
Project acronym MULTIWAVE
Project Multidisciplinary Studies of Extreme and Rogue Wave Phenomena
Researcher (PI) Frederic Dias
Host Institution (HI) UNIVERSITY COLLEGE DUBLIN, NATIONAL UNIVERSITY OF IRELAND, DUBLIN
Call Details Advanced Grant (AdG), PE2, ERC-2011-ADG_20110209
Summary MULTIWAVE is an interdisciplinary project at the frontiers of mathematics, physics and engineering which will explore important open questions in nonlinear wave propagation and the emergence of extreme events. The work necessitates a Co-Investigator approach in order to carry out coordinated analytical, numerical and experimental studies of the nonlinear effects that form the subject of the proposal. The project builds on recent international developments in the field of nonlinear waves led by the co-investigators that have shown how analogies between optical systems and the deep ocean provide new insights into the generation of the infamous hydrodynamic rogue waves on the ocean. These results, which have led to the first experimental confirmation in 2010 of analytic predictions of hydrodynamics that have remained untested for 25 years, have now opened up the possibility for an optical system to directly study the dynamics and statistics of extreme nonlinear wave shaping. This is a tremendous advance comparable to the introduction of optical systems to study chaos in the 1970s, and the co-investigators aim to be at the forefront of this research effort. Core theoretical elements in the project will uncover the fundamental mechanisms underlying the emergence of large scale coherent structures from a turbulent environment, and resolve basic questions of energy transport in the presence of nonlinearity. These analytical studies will be complemented by numerical simulations and laboratory experiments in optical systems. Specifically, recent advances in optical technology will enable the benchtop development of an “optical wave tank” that will accurately simulate multiple propagation scenarios in hydrodynamics and ocean systems. Emphasis will be placed on extreme rogue wave events which are difficult or even impossible to study quantitatively in their natural oceanic environment.
Summary
MULTIWAVE is an interdisciplinary project at the frontiers of mathematics, physics and engineering which will explore important open questions in nonlinear wave propagation and the emergence of extreme events. The work necessitates a Co-Investigator approach in order to carry out coordinated analytical, numerical and experimental studies of the nonlinear effects that form the subject of the proposal. The project builds on recent international developments in the field of nonlinear waves led by the co-investigators that have shown how analogies between optical systems and the deep ocean provide new insights into the generation of the infamous hydrodynamic rogue waves on the ocean. These results, which have led to the first experimental confirmation in 2010 of analytic predictions of hydrodynamics that have remained untested for 25 years, have now opened up the possibility for an optical system to directly study the dynamics and statistics of extreme nonlinear wave shaping. This is a tremendous advance comparable to the introduction of optical systems to study chaos in the 1970s, and the co-investigators aim to be at the forefront of this research effort. Core theoretical elements in the project will uncover the fundamental mechanisms underlying the emergence of large scale coherent structures from a turbulent environment, and resolve basic questions of energy transport in the presence of nonlinearity. These analytical studies will be complemented by numerical simulations and laboratory experiments in optical systems. Specifically, recent advances in optical technology will enable the benchtop development of an “optical wave tank” that will accurately simulate multiple propagation scenarios in hydrodynamics and ocean systems. Emphasis will be placed on extreme rogue wave events which are difficult or even impossible to study quantitatively in their natural oceanic environment.
Max ERC Funding
1 831 800 €
Duration
Start date: 2012-04-01, End date: 2016-09-30
Project acronym QUTE
Project Quantum Tensor Networks and Entanglement
Researcher (PI) Frank Paul Bernard Verstraete
Host Institution (HI) UNIVERSITEIT GENT
Call Details Consolidator Grant (CoG), PE2, ERC-2014-CoG
Summary One of the major challenges in theoretical physics is the development of systematic methods for describing and simulating quantum many body systems with strong interactions. Given the huge experimental progress and technological potential in manipulating strongly correlated atoms and electrons, there is a pressing need for such a better theory.
The study of quantum entanglement holds the promise of being a game changer for this question. By mapping out the entanglement structure of the low-energy wavefunctions of quantum spin systems on the lattice, the prototypical example of strongly correlated systems, we have found that the associated wavefunctions can be very well modeled by a novel class of variational wavefunctions, called tensor network states. Tensor networks are changing the ways in which strongly correlated systems can be simulated, classified and understood: as opposed to the usual many body methods, these tensor networks are generic and describe non-perturbative effects in a very natural way.
The goal of this proposal is to advance the scope and use of tensor networks in several directions, both from the numerical and theoretical point of view. We plan to study the differential geometric character of the manifold of tensor network states and the associated nonlinear differential equations of motion on it, develop post tensor network methods in the form of effective theories on top of the tensor network vacuum, study tensor networks in the context of lattice gauge theories and topologically ordered systems, and investigate the novel insights that tensor networks are providing to the renormalization group and the holographic principle.
Colloquially, we believe that tensor networks and the theory of entanglement provide a basic new vocabulary for describing strongly correlated quantum systems, and the main goal of this proposal is to develop the syntax and semantics of that new language.
Summary
One of the major challenges in theoretical physics is the development of systematic methods for describing and simulating quantum many body systems with strong interactions. Given the huge experimental progress and technological potential in manipulating strongly correlated atoms and electrons, there is a pressing need for such a better theory.
The study of quantum entanglement holds the promise of being a game changer for this question. By mapping out the entanglement structure of the low-energy wavefunctions of quantum spin systems on the lattice, the prototypical example of strongly correlated systems, we have found that the associated wavefunctions can be very well modeled by a novel class of variational wavefunctions, called tensor network states. Tensor networks are changing the ways in which strongly correlated systems can be simulated, classified and understood: as opposed to the usual many body methods, these tensor networks are generic and describe non-perturbative effects in a very natural way.
The goal of this proposal is to advance the scope and use of tensor networks in several directions, both from the numerical and theoretical point of view. We plan to study the differential geometric character of the manifold of tensor network states and the associated nonlinear differential equations of motion on it, develop post tensor network methods in the form of effective theories on top of the tensor network vacuum, study tensor networks in the context of lattice gauge theories and topologically ordered systems, and investigate the novel insights that tensor networks are providing to the renormalization group and the holographic principle.
Colloquially, we believe that tensor networks and the theory of entanglement provide a basic new vocabulary for describing strongly correlated quantum systems, and the main goal of this proposal is to develop the syntax and semantics of that new language.
Max ERC Funding
1 927 500 €
Duration
Start date: 2015-09-01, End date: 2020-08-31
Project acronym SpecMAT
Project Spectroscopy of exotic nuclei in a Magnetic Active Target
Researcher (PI) Riccardo Raabe
Host Institution (HI) KATHOLIEKE UNIVERSITEIT LEUVEN
Call Details Consolidator Grant (CoG), PE2, ERC-2013-CoG
Summary SpecMAT aims at providing crucial experimental information to answer key questions about the structure of atomic nuclei:
- What are the forces driving the shell structure in nuclei and how do they change in nuclei far from stability?
- What remains of the Z = 28 and N = 50 “magic numbers” in 78Ni?
- Do we understand shape coexistence in nuclei, and what are the mechanisms controlling its appearance?
The position of natural and “intruder” shells will be mapped in two critical regions, the neutron-rich nuclei around Z = 28 and the neutron-deficient nuclei around Z = 82. The centroids of the shell strength are derived from the complete spectroscopy of those systems in nucleon-transfer measurements. This method will be applied for the first time in the region of neutron-deficient Pb nuclei.
In SpecMAT (Spectroscopy of exotic nuclei in a Magnetic Active Target) a novel instrument will overcome the present challenges in performing such measurements with very weak beams of unstable nuclei. It combines high luminosity, high efficiency and a very large dynamic range and allows detection of both charged-particle and gamma-ray radiation. The instrument owns its remarkable performances to a number of advanced technologies concerning the use of electronics, gaseous detectors and gamma-ray detectors in a magnetic field.
The SpecMAT detector will be coupled to the HIE-ISOLDE facility for the production and post-acceleration of radioactive ion beams in construction at CERN in Geneva. HIE-ISOLDE will provide world-unique beams thanks to the use of the proton injector of the CERN complex.
If successful, SpecMAT at HIE-ISOLDE will produce specific results in nuclear structure which cannot be reached by other programmes elsewhere. Such results will have a significant impact on the present theories and models of the atomic nucleus.
Summary
SpecMAT aims at providing crucial experimental information to answer key questions about the structure of atomic nuclei:
- What are the forces driving the shell structure in nuclei and how do they change in nuclei far from stability?
- What remains of the Z = 28 and N = 50 “magic numbers” in 78Ni?
- Do we understand shape coexistence in nuclei, and what are the mechanisms controlling its appearance?
The position of natural and “intruder” shells will be mapped in two critical regions, the neutron-rich nuclei around Z = 28 and the neutron-deficient nuclei around Z = 82. The centroids of the shell strength are derived from the complete spectroscopy of those systems in nucleon-transfer measurements. This method will be applied for the first time in the region of neutron-deficient Pb nuclei.
In SpecMAT (Spectroscopy of exotic nuclei in a Magnetic Active Target) a novel instrument will overcome the present challenges in performing such measurements with very weak beams of unstable nuclei. It combines high luminosity, high efficiency and a very large dynamic range and allows detection of both charged-particle and gamma-ray radiation. The instrument owns its remarkable performances to a number of advanced technologies concerning the use of electronics, gaseous detectors and gamma-ray detectors in a magnetic field.
The SpecMAT detector will be coupled to the HIE-ISOLDE facility for the production and post-acceleration of radioactive ion beams in construction at CERN in Geneva. HIE-ISOLDE will provide world-unique beams thanks to the use of the proton injector of the CERN complex.
If successful, SpecMAT at HIE-ISOLDE will produce specific results in nuclear structure which cannot be reached by other programmes elsewhere. Such results will have a significant impact on the present theories and models of the atomic nucleus.
Max ERC Funding
1 944 900 €
Duration
Start date: 2014-06-01, End date: 2019-05-31
Project acronym SYDUGRAM
Project Symmetries and Dualities in Gravity and M-theory
Researcher (PI) Marc André Marie Albert Henneaux
Host Institution (HI) UNIVERSITE LIBRE DE BRUXELLES
Call Details Advanced Grant (AdG), PE2, ERC-2010-AdG_20100224
Summary Despite its considerable success, Einstein theory of gravity is an unfinished revolution: it has limitations both at the microscopic scales and at the macroscopic scales. The objective of this proposal is to provide a better understanding of the gravitational interaction beyond Einstein. This will be done by analyzing, with the aim of identifying it, the symmetry structure underlying the searched-for fundamental formulation of gravity, relying on and exploring further the intriguing and fascinating infinite-dimensional algebras uncovered recently in the study of supergravities and M-theory. One of the motivations of the project is to make progress in the development of quantum gravity, with the goal of providing new insight into black holes and cosmological singularities.
Summary
Despite its considerable success, Einstein theory of gravity is an unfinished revolution: it has limitations both at the microscopic scales and at the macroscopic scales. The objective of this proposal is to provide a better understanding of the gravitational interaction beyond Einstein. This will be done by analyzing, with the aim of identifying it, the symmetry structure underlying the searched-for fundamental formulation of gravity, relying on and exploring further the intriguing and fascinating infinite-dimensional algebras uncovered recently in the study of supergravities and M-theory. One of the motivations of the project is to make progress in the development of quantum gravity, with the goal of providing new insight into black holes and cosmological singularities.
Max ERC Funding
1 511 556 €
Duration
Start date: 2011-01-01, End date: 2015-12-31
Project acronym TopoCold
Project Manipulation of topological phases with cold atoms
Researcher (PI) Nathan GOLDMAN
Host Institution (HI) UNIVERSITE LIBRE DE BRUXELLES
Call Details Starting Grant (StG), PE2, ERC-2016-STG
Summary Topological states of matter constitute one of the hottest disciplines in quantum physics, demonstrating a remarkable fusion between elegant mathematical theories and technological applications. However, solid-state experiments only provide a limited set of physical systems and probes that can reveal non-trivial topological order. It is thus appealing to seek for alternative setups exhibiting topological properties. Cold atoms in optical lattices constitute an instructive and complementary toolbox, being extremely versatile, clean and controllable. In fact, cold-atom theorists and experimentalists have recently developed new tools providing the building blocks for the exploitation of topological atomic gases.
TopoCold will propose realistic optical-lattice setups hosting novel topologically-ordered phases, based on those technologies that are currently developed in cold-atom experiments. The central goal of the project consists in identifying unambiguous manifestations of topological properties that are specific to the cold-atom framework. We will establish concrete methods to experimentally visualize these signatures, elaborating efficient schemes to detect the unique features of topological phases using available manipulation and imaging techniques. This central part of the TopoCold project will deepen our understanding of topological phenomena and guide ongoing experiments. We also plan to elaborate simple protocols to exploit topological excitations, based on the great controllability of atom-light coupling methods. Moreover, by tailoring the geometry and laser-coupling of optical-lattice setups, we will explore topological systems that are not accessible in solid-state devices. Finally, we will study the properties of topological phases that arise in the strongly-correlated regime of atomic gases. TopoCold will build a bridge between several communities, deepening our knowledge of topological phases from an original and interdisciplinary perspective.
Summary
Topological states of matter constitute one of the hottest disciplines in quantum physics, demonstrating a remarkable fusion between elegant mathematical theories and technological applications. However, solid-state experiments only provide a limited set of physical systems and probes that can reveal non-trivial topological order. It is thus appealing to seek for alternative setups exhibiting topological properties. Cold atoms in optical lattices constitute an instructive and complementary toolbox, being extremely versatile, clean and controllable. In fact, cold-atom theorists and experimentalists have recently developed new tools providing the building blocks for the exploitation of topological atomic gases.
TopoCold will propose realistic optical-lattice setups hosting novel topologically-ordered phases, based on those technologies that are currently developed in cold-atom experiments. The central goal of the project consists in identifying unambiguous manifestations of topological properties that are specific to the cold-atom framework. We will establish concrete methods to experimentally visualize these signatures, elaborating efficient schemes to detect the unique features of topological phases using available manipulation and imaging techniques. This central part of the TopoCold project will deepen our understanding of topological phenomena and guide ongoing experiments. We also plan to elaborate simple protocols to exploit topological excitations, based on the great controllability of atom-light coupling methods. Moreover, by tailoring the geometry and laser-coupling of optical-lattice setups, we will explore topological systems that are not accessible in solid-state devices. Finally, we will study the properties of topological phases that arise in the strongly-correlated regime of atomic gases. TopoCold will build a bridge between several communities, deepening our knowledge of topological phases from an original and interdisciplinary perspective.
Max ERC Funding
1 038 039 €
Duration
Start date: 2017-02-01, End date: 2022-01-31
