Correlated quantum dynamics of finite ultracold bosonic systems in traps

• Applicant: Professor Dr. Peter Schmelcher
• Subject Area: Optics, Quantum Optics and Physics of Atoms, Molecules and Plasmas
• Term: from 2010 to 2016
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 175351316

We explore the correlated quantum dynamics of weak to strongly interacting few-body bosonic ensembles with the aim to identify novel fundamental quantum dynamical processes and mechanisms. The latter constitute an important ingredient for our understanding and design of e.g. the transport properties and dynamics of more complex correlated many-body systems. Since the pathway from weak to strong correlations depends crucially on the dimensionality and the decomposition we study both one- and two-dimensional as well as pure and mixed bosonic systems. Specifically our investigations aim at the quantum dynamics of one- and two-component repulsively interacting few-boson systems, with a focus on tunneling and transport properties in finite optical lattices. We will employ an ab-initio approach, the Multi-Configuration Time-Dependent Hartree (MCTDH) method, which allows to numerically exactly determine the time-dependent as well as stationary properties, if applicable supported by corresponding analytic modeling. Our study aims at establishing and controlling novel tunneling mechanisms including their rates and timescales thereby employing different parameters such as particle numbers, lattice geometry, and interaction strength between the atoms.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants