2024/01/18 by Or Katz, Lei Feng, Katz, Or +5 · 5 citations
Computer Science · Engineering · Materials Science · #Advanced Data Storage Technologies #Diamond and Carbon-based Materials Research #FOS: Physical sciences #Ion-surface interactions and analysis #Quantum Gases (cond-mat.quant-gas) #Quantum Physics (quant-ph) #Strongly Correlated Electrons (cond-mat.str-el)
paper · pdf · doi:10.48550/arxiv.2401.10362
openalex publication_date 2024/01/18 · openalex created_date 2024/01/23 · openalex updated_date 2026/08/01
Quantum simulators based on trapped ions enable the study of spin systems and models with rich dynamical phenomena. The Su-Schrieffer-Heeger (SSH) model for fermions in one dimension is a canonical example that can support a topological insulator phase when couplings between sites are dimerized, featuring long-lived edge states. Here, we experimentally implement a spin-based variant of the SSH model using one-dimensional trapped-ion chains with tunable interaction range, realized in crystals containing up to 22 interacting spins. Using an array of individually focused laser beams, we apply site-specific, time-dependent Floquet fields to induce controlled bond dimerization. Under conditions that preserve inversion symmetry, we observe edge-state dynamics consistent with SSH-like behavior. We study the propagation and localization of spin excitations, as well as the evolution of highly excited configurations across different interaction regimes. These results demonstrate how precision Floquet engineering enables the exploration of complex spin models and dynamics, laying the groundwork for future preparation and characterization of topological and exotic phases of matter.