Quantum Spin Ice and dimer models with Rydberg atoms

TL;DR

This paper proposes a method to realize quantum spin ice physics using Rydberg atoms in optical lattices, enabling exploration of gauge theories and exotic quantum phases with current experimental techniques.

Contribution

It introduces a novel approach to simulate quantum spin ice with Rydberg atoms, including design strategies for implementing Abelian gauge theories in various lattice geometries.

Findings

Numerical analysis shows emergence of quantum order by disorder.

Identification of quantum plaquette valence bond solid phase.

Feasibility of experimental realization with current Rydberg atom setups.

Abstract

Quantum spin ice represents a paradigmatic example on how the physics of frustrated magnets is related to gauge theories. In the present work we address the problem of approximately realizing quantum spin ice in two dimensions with cold atoms in optical lattices. The relevant interactions are obtained by weakly admixing van der Waals interactions between laser admixed Rydberg states to the atomic ground state atoms, exploiting the strong angular dependence of interactions between Rydberg p-states together with the possibility of designing step-like potentials. This allows us to implement Abelian gauge theories in a series of geometries, which could be demonstrated within state of the art atomic Rydberg experiments. We numerically analyze the family of resulting microscopic Hamiltonians and find that they exhibit both classical and quantum order by disorder, the latter yielding a quantum plaquette valence bond solid. We also present strategies to implement Abelian gauge theories using both s- and p-Rydberg states in exotic geometries, e.g. on a 4-8 lattice.