SPS Seminar - Dynamics and Topology in Cold Atom Systems

When: Thursday 9 November at 14.00

Where:  Robert Hooke/Teams Online

Speaker:  Ryan Barnett - Imperial

Hosted by: Andrew James

Abstract:

Quantum simulation, sometimes referred to as analog quantum computation, has emerged as a central drive in physics. Cold atoms have provided a reliable platform for quantum simulation over the years because of the high level of controllability they afford. The talk will start with a general overview of quantum simulation in cold atoms systems. I will then discuss polarons in cold atom systems. In such systems, impurities can be “dressed” by coupling to superfluid vibrational modes thereby creating a polaron. I will discuss some recent theoretical developments in the field focusing on polaron mass, analytical solutions, and bipolaron formation. Next, I will shift to discuss topological systems with an eye still towards cold atoms. In particular, I will discuss local topological markers — quantities devised to diagnose a system’s topology without relying on translational invariance. Finally, will talk about the fate of so-called Wannier functions in topological systems.