Controlling and Exploring Quantum Matter Using Ultracold Atoms in Optical Lattices

Immanuel Bloch
Max-Planck Institut für Quantenoptik, Hans Kopfermann Str. 1, 85748 Garching, Germany &                          
Ludwig-Maximilians Universität, Schellingstr. 4, 80799 München, Germany

More than 30 years ago, Richard Feynman outlined the visionary concept of a quantum simulator for carrying out    
complex physics calculations. Today, his dream has become a reality in laboratories around the world. In my       
talk I will focus on the remarkable opportunities offered by ultracold quantum gases trapped in optical           
lattices to address fundamental physics questions ranging from condensed matter physics over statistical          
physics to high energy physics with table-top experiment.                                                         

For example, I will show how it has now become possible to image and control quantum matter with single atom      
sensitivity and single site resolution, thereby allowing one to directly image individual quantum fluctuations    
of a many-body system, to directly reveal antiferromagnetic order in the fermionic Hubbard model or hidden        
‘topological order’. I will also show, how recent experiments with cold gases in optical lattices have enabled    
to realise and probe artificial magnetic fields that lie at the heart of topological energy bands in a solid,     
including Thouless charge pumps in multiple dimensions.  Finally, I will discuss our recent experiments on        
novel many-body localised states of matter that challenge our understanding of the connection between             
statistical physics and quantum mechanics at a fundamental level.