Objective I propose to realize single-atom- and spin-resolved in-situ imaging of strongly correlated fermions in an optical lattice. Whereas very recently strongly correlated bosonic systems could be imaged in an optical lattice at the single atom level, an experimental proof of single-site-resolved detection of fermions is still lacking. My project will allow to fully exploit the potential of ultracold atoms as a quantum simulator, especially for the Fermi-Hubbard model, which is a key model in condensed matter physics.Gaining access to the in-trap atom distribution of the fermionic 40-potassium with single-atom and single-site resolution will allow for a new generation of experiments in the field. Direct observation of individual atoms and analysis of their quantum states and their spatial order in the lattice, including individual defects, are then possible. I will use this novel detection method to characterize, e.g. temperature or entropy distribution of the quantum phases such as fermionic Mott insulators, Band insulators or metallic phases.Together with the possibility of local spin manipulations, I will investigate the effect of local perturbations on the system by spatially resolving the ensuing dynamical in-trap evolution. In this way, propagation and healing of artificially created defects can be studied. Local scale density modulations such as Friedel and Wigner oscillations of one-dimensional systems with hard boundaries will become observable. The local manipulation of the trapped atoms will be the key to implement novel cooling schemes that can remove regions of high entropy from the system. In this way much colder temperatures can be realized, where antiferromagnetic ordering is setting in. In a harmonic trap, these magnetically ordered phases are predicted to form ring-like structures, which can be ideally characterized by my novel spin-sensitive in-situ imaging techniques. Fields of science natural sciencesphysical sciencescondensed matter physicsnatural sciencesphysical sciencestheoretical physicsparticle physicsfermions Programme(s) FP7-IDEAS-ERC - Specific programme: "Ideas" implementing the Seventh Framework Programme of the European Community for research, technological development and demonstration activities (2007 to 2013) Topic(s) ERC-SG-PE2 - ERC Starting Grant - Fundamental constituents of matter Call for proposal ERC-2011-StG_20101014 See other projects for this call Funding Scheme ERC-SG - ERC Starting Grant Coordinator UNIVERSITY OF STRATHCLYDE Address Richmond street 16 G1 1XQ Glasgow United Kingdom See on map Region Scotland West Central Scotland Glasgow City Activity type Higher or Secondary Education Establishments Principal investigator Stefan Kuhr (Dr.) Administrative Contact Martin Gregory (Mr.) Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window EU contribution No data Beneficiaries (1) Sort alphabetically Sort by EU Contribution Expand all Collapse all UNIVERSITY OF STRATHCLYDE United Kingdom EU contribution € 1 392 800,00 Address Richmond street 16 G1 1XQ Glasgow See on map Region Scotland West Central Scotland Glasgow City Activity type Higher or Secondary Education Establishments Principal investigator Stefan Kuhr (Dr.) Administrative Contact Martin Gregory (Mr.) Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window Other funding No data
