Project description
Shedding light on non-equilibrium quantum dynamics
When driven out of equilibrium, the properties of a quantum system change and can lead to new states of matter. With this in mind, the EU-funded TANQ project seeks to develop a fundamental theoretical understanding of non-equilibrium dynamics and highly excited eigenstates in quantum many-body systems. Adopting a multidisciplinary approach, it will study the fundamental mechanisms of ergodicity breaking and establish universality classes of quantum dynamics. Quantum entanglement-based renormalisation and tensor-network methods that can overcome the exponential growth of the many-body Hilbert space will also be developed, in addition to approaches for manipulating quantum matter and realising new non-equilibrium phases. The project will result in a universal theoretical framework for non-equilibrium quantum dynamics.
Objective
Recent experimental breakthroughs led to realization of tunable, synthetic quantum systems that allow one to probe and manipulate highly non-equilibrium quantum matter. Driving a system ouf-of-equilibrium changes its properties in unexpected ways, opening opportunities for realizing new states of matter. The central goal of this project is to develop a fundamental theoretical understanding of non-equilibrium dynamics and highly excited eigenstates in quantum many-body systems. The conventional wisdom tells that a non-equilibrium system thermalizes, and can then be described by statistical-mechanics. However, recent breakthroughs revealed an experimentally relevant class of systems, the prime example being disordered, many-body localized (MBL) systems, which defy this wisdom, avoiding thermalization. Ergodicity-breaking systems open new avenues for protecting quantum coherence, and for realizing new non-equilibrium phases of matter. We will study the fundamental mechanisms of ergodicity breaking using a multi-disciplinary approach, which builds on techniques from quantum information, condensed matter physics, quantum optics and mathematical physics. We aim to establish universality classes of quantum dynamics, by studying disordered systems with symmetries, and by characterizing entirely new mechanisms of ergodicity breaking, such as quantum many-body scars. In order to overcome the exponential growth of the many-body Hilbert space, new efficient renormalization and tensor-network methods based on quantum entanglement will be developed. Finally, approaches for manipulating quantum matter and realizing new non-equilibrium phases in ongoing experiments will be developed.
The completion of this project will lead to a universal theoretical framework for non-equilibrium quantum dynamics, complementing statistical-mechanics in ergodic systems. Such a framework will enable engineering quantum-coherent many-body states with novel properties and functionalities.
Keywords
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
-
H2020-EU.1.1. - EXCELLENT SCIENCE - European Research Council (ERC)
MAIN PROGRAMME
See all projects funded under this programme
Topic(s)
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Funding Scheme
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
ERC-COG - Consolidator Grant
See all projects funded under this funding scheme
Call for proposal
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
(opens in new window) ERC-2019-COG
See all projects funded under this callHost institution
Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.
1015 LAUSANNE
Switzerland
The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.