Realization of a Fermi-Hubbard Optical Tweezer Array

Area of Science:

• Quantum simulation
• Atomic physics
• Condensed matter physics

Background:

• The Fermi-Hubbard model is crucial for understanding strongly correlated electron systems.
• Optical tweezer arrays offer a flexible platform for quantum simulation, complementing traditional optical lattices.

Purpose of the Study:

• To realize and study an eight-site Fermi-Hubbard chain using lithium-6 atoms.
• To investigate Mott insulator states and antiferromagnetic correlations in a tunable 1D system.
• To assess the entropy and flexibility of the optical tweezer array platform.

Main Methods:

• Utilizing an optical tweezer array to trap lithium-6 atoms.
• Employing a quantum gas microscope for single-site detection.
• Controlling disorder to achieve Mott insulator states with strong correlations.

Main Results:

• Observation of Mott insulators with strong antiferromagnetic correlations in the Fermi-Hubbard chain.
• Measurement of spin correlations yielding a low upper bound on entropy (0.26(4)k_{B} per atom).
• Demonstration of tunneling dynamics in uniform and staggered 1D geometries, showcasing platform flexibility.

Conclusions:

• The optical tweezer array provides a highly controllable platform for quantum simulation of Fermi-Hubbard models.
• Achieved low entropy states comparable to optical lattices, enabling precise studies of correlated matter.
• The platform's flexibility allows for versatile geometric configurations and dynamic studies.