Quantum Physics
Quantum Simulation of Frustrated Classical Magnetism in Triangular Optical Lattices
21 July 2011
Photo: AG Sengstock
We present the first realization of a large scale quantum simulator for classical magnetism in a triangular optical lattice. Via a specific modulation of the optical lattice, we can tune the couplings in different directions independently, even from ferromagnetic to antiferromagnetic. Thereby we are able to study a rich phase diagram. This includes observations of magnetic phenomena like Néel order and spin frustration which arises due to the competition between spin-interactions and the geometry of the lattice. We directly observe spontaneous symmetry breaking caused by frustration.
News coverage:
UHH press release , also research highlights
Article at Spectrumdirect
Article at pro-physik