Atomic quantum simulator for lattice gauge theories and ring exchange models

TL;DR

This paper proposes a method to realize and control ring exchange interactions in cold atomic gases within optical lattices, enabling the exploration of exotic quantum phases like Coulomb phase in lattice gauge theories.

Contribution

It introduces a tunable ring exchange interaction setup in cold atoms, facilitating the study of complex quantum phases and lattice gauge theories.

Findings

Design of a tunable ring exchange interaction in cold gases.

Potential to observe deconfined insulator phases.

Connection to Coulomb phase in 3D U(1) lattice gauge theory.

Abstract

We present the design of a ring exchange interaction in cold atomic gases subjected to an optical lattice using well understood tools for manipulating and controlling such gases. The strength of this interaction can be tuned independently and describes the correlated hopping of two bosons. We discuss a setup where this coupling term may allows for the realization and observation of exotic quantum phases, including a deconfined insulator described by the Coulomb phase of a three-dimensional U(1) lattice gauge theory.