In the realm of quantum physics and energy research, two scientists have made a significant stride in understanding and manipulating quantum states. Shashwat Chakraborty and Taylor L. Hughes, both affiliated with the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, have published their findings in a recent study. Their research delves into the intriguing world of non-Hermitian quantum systems and their potential applications in preparing exotic quantum phases, which could have profound implications for the energy sector.
The researchers identified a novel phenomenon they term the “Fock space skin effect” (FSSE). Unlike the conventional non-Hermitian skin effect, which occurs in position space, FSSE takes place in the many-body Fock space. This discovery opens up new avenues for manipulating quantum states and engineering unique quantum phases. To explore this effect, Chakraborty and Hughes utilized quantum dimer models, which are simplified representations of quantum systems where particles are constrained to form dimers or pairs.
Using both analytical and numerical methods, the researchers characterized the FSSE in these quantum dimer models. They proposed a practical route to realize FSSE in Rydberg atom arrays, which are highly excited states of atoms that can be precisely controlled and manipulated. The dimer constraint is enforced through Rydberg gadgets employing the blockade mechanism, while directional reservoirs generate non-Hermitian flipping amplitudes. This setup allows for the preparation of gapped spin liquid states, which are exotic quantum phases with unique properties.
One of the most promising applications of FSSE demonstrated in this study is the preparation of an exact spin liquid ground state in a Rydberg geometry realizing a square lattice quantum dimer model with next-nearest neighbor dimers. Spin liquids are quantum states of matter that do not exhibit magnetic ordering even at absolute zero temperature. They are of great interest in the energy sector due to their potential applications in quantum computing, topological quantum field theory, and high-temperature superconductivity.
The findings of Chakraborty and Hughes establish Fock-space non-Hermiticity as a powerful principle for engineering exotic quantum phases and developing dynamical state-preparation protocols. This research could pave the way for advancements in quantum technologies, including quantum computers and quantum sensors, which have the potential to revolutionize the energy industry by enabling more efficient and secure energy systems. The study was published in the prestigious journal Physical Review Letters, a primary outlet for groundbreaking research in the field of physics.
This article is based on research available at arXiv.