Investigation of synthetic gauge fields in two analog simulation platforms

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.

Name thesis:degree_name

Ph.D.

Level thesis:degree_level

Dissertation

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Physics

Grantor

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Year dc:date

2024

Author dc:creator

• Velkovsky, Ivan

Contributors dc:contributor

• Gadway, Bryce
• Covey, Jacob
• Vishveshwara, Smitha
• Gollin, George

• Gauge Fields
• Quantum Simulation
• Analog Simulation
• Rydberg Atoms
• Optical Tweezers
• Electromechanics

Statement dc:rights

• Copyright 2024 Ivan Velkovsky

Language dc:language

en, eng

Handle dc:identifier

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

OAI record oai:identifier

https://www.ideals.illinois.edu/oai-pmh?verb=GetRecord&metadataPrefix=etdms&identifier=oai%3Awww.ideals.illinois.edu%3A2142%2F125631