Quantum phases of matter on a 256-atom programmable quantum simulator

Area of Science:

• Quantum simulation
• Quantum information science
• Atomic physics

Background:

• Large-scale programmable quantum systems are crucial for quantum simulations in physics and chemistry, and for quantum information processing.
• These systems offer insights into strongly correlated quantum matter and enable new methods for computation and metrology.

Purpose of the Study:

• To demonstrate a programmable quantum simulator using deterministically prepared 2D arrays of neutral atoms.
• To realize and study a quantum spin model with tunable interactions for system sizes up to 256 qubits.
• To investigate new quantum phases and map their phase diagrams.

Main Methods:

• Utilizing coherent atomic excitation into Rydberg states to control strong interactions.
• Preparing two-dimensional arrays of neutral atoms.
• Characterizing high-fidelity states and quantum critical dynamics.

Main Results:

• Realization of a quantum spin model with tunable interactions (64-256 qubits).
• Characterization of high-fidelity antiferromagnetically ordered states.
• Demonstration of quantum critical dynamics consistent with an Ising quantum phase transition in (2+1) dimensions.
• Creation and study of new quantum phases driven by interactions and laser excitation.
• Experimental mapping of phase diagrams and investigation of quantum fluctuations.

Conclusions:

• The developed quantum simulator provides a new platform for studying complex quantum matter.
• Observations pave the way for investigating exotic quantum phases and non-equilibrium entanglement dynamics.
• Enables hardware-efficient realization of quantum algorithms.