CMT Seminar: Strong Correlations in Gases of Atoms and Molecules: superfluid, solid and supersolid phases of matter

Friday, September 30, 2011 - 2:30pm - 4:00pm
Reiss 261A
Guido Pupillo
Institute for Theoretical Physics, University of Innsbruck

The possibility to control and tune system parameters via external fields is key to the experimental realization of fundamental quantum phases and phase transitions in cold atomic gases. For example, control over contact interparticle interactions using Feshbach resonances has allowed the observation of the BEC-BCS crossover in fermionic atomic gases, and the realization of the superfluid-insulator quantum phase transitions with cold bosonic atoms loaded in optical potentials. In this talk we discuss novel control techniques to induce and shape long-range interactions in cold gases of atoms and molecules. These offer new opportunities to observe fundamental and exotic quantum phases of matter in these systems. As examples, we will discuss the possibility to observe both superfluid and solid phases, as well as the famous and elusive free-space supersolid.

Host: Marcos Rigol