The behavior of many-particle quantum systems is one of the most fascinating and challenging frontiers in modern science. Understanding how collections of atoms or molecules interact and evolve underlies not only fundamental physics but also emerging technologies such as quantum computing and quantum communication. A particularly intriguing case arises when particles interact with each other over long distances rather than just with their immediate neighbors. These long-range interactions can lead to entirely new forms of matter, unexpected patterns of organization, and novel ways of processing quantum information. This project will use advanced computer simulations to shed light on these phenomena.
A particularly prominent platform leveraging long-range interactions is ultracold magnetic atoms and dipolar molecules, which naturally implement these interactions due to their dipole-dipole forces. These systems are being used as "quantum simulators" for other quantum systems where studying or engineering long-range interactions is unfeasible, e.g. in highly pure solid-state materials, astrophysical context, or high-energy physics. These experimental platforms allow scientists to mimic complex quantum materials in a clean and adjustable setting, but interpreting and predicting their behavior requires powerful theoretical tools.
To meet this challenge, we will develop and apply a new computational approach called AETHER, which builds on and extends the established MCTDH-X method. MCTDH-X is a state-of-the-art tool for simulating many-body quantum systems, capable of capturing correlations and entanglement beyond standard approximations. AETHER takes this framework further, enabling us to explore regimes that are inaccessible with existing techniques, and bridging the gap between simple single-particle descriptions and the full complexity of highly entangled quantum states.
By combining these methods, we aim to explore how long-range forces shape the properties of quantum systems. Among the questions we will address are: How do long-range interactions affect the spread of information and entanglement between particles? What new kinds of collective behavior can emerge when interactions are mediated over a distance? And how can these insights inform the design of next-generation quantum technologies?
The significance of this research lies in both its scientific and societal impact. Scientifically, it will deepen our understanding of the quantum world by providing new insights into systems that are extremely difficult to study experimentally or with traditional theories. From a societal perspective, the ability to control and exploit long-range quantum interactions has potential applications in the development of quantum devices with enhanced performance, stability, and scalability.
This project will leverage high-performance computing resources to carry out large-scale simulations, pushing the limits of current capabilities. It represents a step forward in our ability to model, predict, and ultimately harness the strange and powerful behavior of interacting quantum particles. In doing so, it contributes to the broader goal of advancing quantum science and preparing the ground for transformative technologies of the future.