Quantum Simulations of Gauge Theories and Topological Phases
Colloquium Series in Theoretical and Computational Physics at the Physics Department of the University of Trieste, Miramare Campus.
Dr. Pierpaolo Fontana (SISSA & ICFO/UAB)
The study of lattice gauge theories (LGTs) stands as the most prominent method to approach quantum field theories in a non-perturbative way. In this talk, I will discuss how LGTs lie in between different disciplines, ranging from high-energy physics to atomic, molecular and optical physics. In the first part I will show how condensed matter systems on cubic lattices develop non-trivial topological phases when a classical (static) gauge field is considered. In the second part, I will move to the realm of quantum simulations, discussing a 2D quantum simulator proposal for plaquette terms using ultracold atomic platforms.