Matter-wave circuits of multi-component ultracold atomic systems

2026-07-22

The proposed research project is in the field of atomtronics, a research area that capitalizes on the versatility and customizability of ultracold atoms trapped in magneto-optical traps to realize quantum circuits of guided matter-waves in various architectures. Specifically, I rely on a peculiar aspect of atomtronic circuits: the statistical nature of the quantum fluid coursing through them, be it bosons, fermions, or a mixture thereof, which dictates their functionality, leading to radical new circuitry. Focusing on atomtronic circuits whose quantum fluid is composed of strongly interacting multi-component fermionic and bosonic atoms, I will provide prototypes for unique and innovative hardware for quantum technologies geared towards quantum sensing, extending the scope of cold atom quantum simulators in basic science. My efforts will simultaneously span across three domains that Europe's Quantum Flagship and its several extensions outlined: sensing, simulation, and basic science. An attractive feature of atomtronics is the expectation that final applications exploiting its devices and its strategic sub-fields are close to fruition, corroborated by the great efforts and resources of important 'world nerve-centres' for quantum technologies (NIST (USA), CQT-NUS (Singapore) and LENS (Italy)). After an intensive study of atomtronic circuits operating with bosonic fluids, recent experiments have set in motion the next chapter in atomtronics to explore the potential of multi-component fermionic matter-waves circuits. Building on the foundation of my earlier works on this topic, the ideas outlined in this proposal explore this new direction of atomtronics-enabled quantum technologies revolving around the SU(N) AQUID -- the atomtronic counterpart of the SQUID, which is expected to realize rotation sensors with heightened capabilities and serve as a platform for the realization of a current-based atomtronic qubit.

France

2025-10-01