Quantum simulations in interacting Rydberg synthetic dimensions

This thesis presents the development and experimental realization of synthetic dimensions using Rydberg atom arrays as a novel and flexible platform for quantum simulation. By coherently coupling a discrete set of Rydberg states via engineered microwave (MW) fields, we construct synthetic lattices in which internal atomic states serve as spatial sites. This framework emulates particle transport through designed lattice geometries while offering precise control over dimensionality, connectivity, and local potential landscapes. Leveraging the strong, long-range, and tunable dipole-dipole interactions between Rydberg atoms, this approach significantly extends the capabilities of synthetic dimensions into the strongly interacting regime, enabling the exploration of quantum many-body phenomena beyond the reach of mean-field approximations. The experimental platform is built upon individually trapped potassium-39 atoms in optical tweezers, with global Rydberg excitation achieved via Stimulated Raman Adiabatic Passage (STIRAP). Custom-tailored MW waveforms drive state-selective transitions, encoding the synthetic lattice structure. We perform detailed calibration of MW-driven tunneling amplitudes, onsite energy detunings, and relative phases to ensure precise control of lattice dynamics. Owing to the long wavelength of the MW fields, phase coherence is maintained across the entire atom array. Dipole-dipole interactions between Rydberg atoms are characterized through both energy-resolved spectroscopy and time-resolved coherent dynamics, providing direct insight into the role of interactions within the synthetic dimension. Within this Rydberg synthetic dimension framework, we experimentally realize and investigate a diverse set of physics models. These include interaction-driven breakdown of Aharonov-Bohm caging in flat-band geometries, disorder-induced localization arising from randomly varying interaction strengths, and interaction-assisted topological pumps that show quantized transport at the few-body level. By dynamically modulating the parameters of the synthetic lattice—such as tunneling amplitudes and onsite potentials—we implement adiabatic state preparation protocols and explore coherent control over lattice evolution. These studies collectively highlight the flexibility of the platform for simulating complex many-body phenomena in engineered quantum systems. The work outlined in this thesis demonstrates the versatility and potential of Rydberg synthetic dimensions as a powerful tool for studying strongly correlated quantum systems, while laying the groundwork for future explorations of higher-dimensional and topologically nontrivial models.

Name thesis:degree_name

Ph.D.

Level thesis:degree_level

Dissertation

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Physics

Grantor

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Year dc:date

2025

Author dc:creator

• Huang, Chenxi

Contributors dc:contributor

• Gadway, Bryce
• Covey, Jacob
• Goldschmidt, Elizabeth
• Hughes, Taylor

• Quantum Simulation
• Rydberg Atom Arrya

Statement dc:rights

• Copyright 2025 Chenxi Huang

Language dc:language

en

Handle dc:identifier

https://hdl.handle.net/2142/132509

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:www.ideals.illinois.edu:2142/132509