FOR2414: Artificial Gauge Fields and Interacting Topological Phases in Ultracold Atoms

Gauge fields can dramatically change the properties of a material. A seminal example is the one of electrons subjected to an external magnetic field, leading to the quantum Hall effect. Here, a variety of exotic quantum phenomena arise, where topology plays a fundamental role: from the existence of topological invariants and topologically protected edge currents to the emergence of quasiparticles with exotic braiding statistics. These fascinating effects are at the focus of current theoretical and experimental research. Within this Research Unit we are developing experimental techniques for quantum simulation of topological phases of matter including paradigmatic condensed matter Hamilonians, such as the Hofstadter and Haldane model. Moreover, we are investigating genuine out-of-equilibrium phases without any static analogue, so-called anomalous Floquet topological systems.
More information about this Research Unit can be found on our website.

This project has received funding from the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) via Research Unit FOR 2414 under project number 277974659.