Topological band structures
Topological matter is one of the hot topics in solid state physics and experiments with ultracold atoms in optical lattices can provide insight via direct measurements of the basics concepts such as Berry phase, Berry curvature and cyclotron orbits. Furthermore the tunability of both interaction strength and topological properties via Floquet engineering promises new insights into the interplay of topology and interactions, e.g. a better understanding of exotic fractional quantum Hall states and their anyonic excitations (see also the project ANYON above).
In this project in the group of Prof. Klaus Sengstock (Bose-Fermi mixtures) we explore topological band structures and Floquet techniques and dynamics in topological systems. Recent activities include the quantum gas magnifier for real-space imaging of our honeycomb lattice, which gives a great starting point for detailed studies of topological dynamics.
The project is funded by the Cluster of Excellence CUI and the DFG Research Unit FOR 2414.
recommended reading
- Christof Weitenberg & Juliette Simonet, Tailoring quantum gases by Floquet engineering, Nature Physics (2021).
- Monika Aidelsburger & Christof Weitenberg, Topologische Materie - ultrakalt, Ultrakalte Atome liefern neue Einblicke in topologische Quantenmaterie, Physik Journal 20(7), 46-51 (2021),
- Fläschner N., Rem B., Tarnowski M., Vogel D., Lühmann D.-S., Sengstock K., Weitenberg C., Experimental reconstruction of the Berry curvature in a Floquet Bloch band, Science 352, 1091-1094 (2016).