Atomic quantum gases in periodically driven optical lattices

TL;DR

This paper reviews recent experimental and theoretical advances in the control and understanding of ultracold quantum gases in optical lattices subjected to periodic driving, highlighting phenomena like dynamic localization, phase transitions, and topological states.

Contribution

It provides a comprehensive overview of experimental results and theoretical frameworks, especially Floquet theory, for periodically driven many-body quantum systems.

Findings

Observation of dynamic localization in driven gases

Control of quantum phase transitions via periodic driving

Emergence of topological edge states in Floquet systems

Abstract

Time periodic forcing in the form of coherent radiation is a standard tool for the coherent manipulation of small quantum systems like single atoms. In the last years, periodic driving has more and more also been considered as a means for the coherent control of many-body systems. In particular, experiments with ultracold quantum gases in optical lattices subjected to periodic driving in the lower kilohertz regime have attracted a lot of attention. Milestones include the observation of dynamic localization, the dynamic control of the quantum phase transition between a bosonic superfluid and a Mott insulator, as well as the dynamic creation of strong artificial magnetic fields and topological band structures. This article reviews these recent experiments and their theoretical description. Moreover, fundamental properties of periodically driven many-body systems are discussed within the framework of Floquet theory, including heating, relaxation dynamics, anomalous topological edge states, and the response to slow parameter variations.