Hannover 2013 – scientific programme

Parts | Days | Selection | Search | Updates | Downloads | Help

Q: Fachverband Quantenoptik und Photonik

Q 31: Quantum gases: Optical lattices I

Q 31.6: Talk

Tuesday, March 19, 2013, 15:30–15:45, E 001

Quantum simulation of curved spaces in optical lattices containing topological defects — •Nikodem Szpak — Fakultät für Physik, Universität Duisburg-Essen

We discuss the possibility of quantum simulation of relativistic fields living in curved spaces realized in optical lattices loaded with ultra-cold atoms. In the low energy regime their dynamics can be described by the Hubbard model which, under some circumstances, can be mapped onto a discrete version of a relativistic quantum field theory. Manipulation of the hopping constants and the lattice topology can lead to the coupling to an artificial Riemann-Cartan geometry containing curvature and torsion. We give examples of several lattice geometries and discuss the properties of the emergent curved spaces with the field theoretic effects, like scattering on curvature centers or vortices and birefringence on torsion lines.