Many of the most intriguing open questions in physics are related to many-body quantum physics and are inherently difficult to analyze due to their exponential complexity. Some of them can only be approximately treated, and then often with not very well understood and controlled assumptions. However, this insufficiency may be overcome by simulating the complex quantum system under study with a more controllable one, i.e. (analogue) quantum simulation . Such quantum simulations promise to give insight into diverse fields e.g., condensed-matter physics, particle physics, material science and even cosmology. Because of many exquisite tools related to prepare, control and measure, ultra-cold atom always plays an important role in building model systems for quantum simulation. In this project, I propose to combine my expertise in creating spin-orbit coupling and artificial gauge fields with the expertise of the Schmiedmayer Lab in non-equilibrium physics to address two outstanding physics problems described below:
1. By quenching the applied gauge fields by Floquet-engineering, we prepare the atoms in an excited metastable state (‘false vacuum’). When the system then relaxes to the lowest energy state (‘true vacuum’) through quantum field processes similar to the ones predicted for the earlier universe.
2. Armed with the Raman assisted tunneling we will simulate the Commensurate-InCommensurate (C-IC) phase transition in a quantum many body system will shed light on the formation and the non-trival character of topological defects.
