Dynamical Quantum Matter Theory Group
We are an independent (free-floating) Max Planck W2 Research Group administratively embedded in the Max Planck Institute of Quantum Optics and physically located at the Department of Physics and the Arnold Sommerfeld Center for Theoretical Physics of the Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, where our group leader Dr. Jad C. Halimeh also holds a part-time position. Our group focuses on understanding exotic far-from-equilibrium quantum many-body phenomena, particularly those that evade thermalization. A central focus of ours is on far-from-equilibrium quantum many-body criticality, where we try to discern universality based on truly far-from-equilibrium critical exponents and dynamical phase transitions. We also actively devise quantum simulation schemes that allow the realization of far-from-equilibrium quantum many-body dynamics on state-of-the-art analog and digital quantum simulators.
A major research effort of ours is based on Dr. Jad C. Halimeh's ERC Starting Grant QuSiGauge. It is comprised of two main pillars: (i) a technological one focusing on the quantum simulation and computing of gauge theories, and (ii) a phenomenological one focusing on exploring and understanding exotic far-from-equilibrium gauge-theory dynamics. Using analytic and numerical tools, we develop methods to stabilize gauge theories on various quantum-simulation platforms, ranging from cold atoms to superconducting qubits. The goal is to propose the next generation of experimentally feasible reliable large-scale quantum simulators of gauge theories in higher spatial dimensions and with non-Abelian gauge groups. The purpose of this endeavor is to then utilize these quantum simulators with experimental colleagues in order to probe the rich physics of far-from-equilibrium gauge-theory dynamics that may not be accessible using classical methods. Conversely, we also employ analytic and numerical techniques to discover, enhance, and classify new exotic far-from-equilibrium gauge-theory dynamics that can be observed in current state-of-the-art quantum-simulation platforms, and that can teach us more about the nature of thermalization (and its avoidance) and far-from-equilibrium criticality in isolated quantum many-body systems.
Our group was previously funded through the Emmy Noether program of the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (https://gepris.dfg.de/gepris/projekt/519873523), and is now funded through the Max Planck Society, Munich Center for Quantum Science and Technology, and the ERC Starting Grant QuSiGauge (https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/101165667).
We have several open PhD positions in quantum computing and numerical simulation of gauge theories. The successful candidates will also work with in-house tensor network and exact diagonalization codes, and will actively develop and expand on such codes. The successful candidates are expected to have excellent grades in quantum computing, quantum many-body physics, quantum optics, or similar coursework. We are also constantly looking for Master students. Interested candidates should email Dr. Jad C. Halimeh with their CV, statement of purpose, and transcripts.