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Quantum Dot Fermi-Hubbard Emulators

Project description

Emulating exotic many-body phenomena using quantum dots

The Hubbard model is an approximate model used to describe the transition between conducting and insulating systems. It is the simplest model of interacting particles in a lattice with just two terms in the Hamiltonian: a kinetic term that allows the hopping of fermions (or bosons) between adjacent sites of the lattice and a potential term consisting of an on-site interaction. Despite its simplicity, it is extremely challenging to solve numerically on conventional computers. The EU-funded QuDoFH project plans to emulate the Fermi–Hubbard Hamiltonian using quantum dot arrays. Researchers will focus on three phenomena that lie at the heart of quantum many-body physics: resonating valence bond physics at half-filling, doped Mott insulator physics and quantum phase transitions.

Objective

We propose to use semiconductor quantum dot arrays as a well-controlled model system for emulating the Fermi-Hubbard Hamiltonian. In its simplest form, this Hamiltonian contains just two terms, describing hopping of fermions between adjacent sites in a lattice and an interaction energy for two fermions to occupy the same site. Despite its simplicity, this Hamiltonian produces a wealth of many-body physics phenomena, from exotic forms of magnetism to superconductivity. Their intricate quantum correlations make simulation on conventional computers exponentially difficult. This has motivated the use of model systems such as ultra-cold atoms to emulate Fermi-Hubbard physics. The in-situ parameter control, large energy scales compared to temperature and the flexibility of lithography, make gate-defined quantum dot arrays a highly versatile and powerful model system for emulating Fermi-Hubbard physics. This has long remained a distant prospect due to unavoidable disorder and cross-talk, but recent progress in our lab shows that these obstacles can be overcome in small arrays. This allowed us to observe Nagaoka ferromagnetism, a form of magnetism driven by electron-electron interactions that has not been reported in any system so far. In a series of breakthrough advances, we will define and operate extended square and triangular quantum dot ladders, targeting a complexity that cannot be matched by classical computers. We will focus on three phenomena at the heart of quantum many-body physics: 1) resonating-valence bond physics at half-filling, 2) doped Mott insulator physics and 3) quantum phase transitions. Besides measuring current through the system, we will perform single-shot measurements of charge and spin, giving access to multi-point correlation functions and time dependent evolution. These studies will increase our understanding of Fermi-Hubbard physics, with long-term application in materials design and discovery.

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Keywords

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Programme(s)

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Topic(s)

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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.

ERC-ADG - Advanced Grant

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Call for proposal

Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.

(opens in new window) ERC-2019-ADG

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Host institution

TECHNISCHE UNIVERSITEIT DELFT
Net EU contribution

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.

€ 3 449 720,00
Total cost

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.

€ 3 449 720,00

Beneficiaries (1)

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