Finite-range interacting Ising quantum magnets with Rydberg atoms in optical lattices - From Rydberg superatoms to crystallization

TL;DR

This paper reviews recent experimental progress in Rydberg atom-based quantum simulators implementing finite-range Ising models, highlighting the observation of strong correlations and crystallization phenomena in optical lattices.

Contribution

It provides a comprehensive overview of how Rydberg atoms in optical lattices can simulate finite-range Ising models with tunable interactions and explores the transition from superatoms to crystalline phases.

Findings

Observation of strong correlations in Rydberg lattice experiments

Demonstration of crystallization in quantum Ising models

Control over interaction range and strength in Rydberg systems

Abstract

Finite-range interacting spin models are the simplest models to study the effect of beyond nearest-neighbour interactions and access new effects caused by the range of the interactions. Recent experiments have reached the regime of dominant interactions in Ising quantum magnets via optical coupling of trapped neutral atoms to Rydberg states. This approach allows for the tunability of all relevant terms in an Ising Hamiltonian with $1/r^6$ interactions in a transverse and longitudinal field. This review summarizes the recent progress of these implementations in Rydberg lattices with site-resolved detection. The strong correlations in this quantum Ising model have been observed in several experiments up to the point of crystallization. In systems with a diameter small compared to the Rydberg blockade radius, the number of excitations is maximally one in the so-called superatom regime.