TY - JOUR T1 - Programmable Quantum Simulations of Spin Systems with Trapped Ions Y1 - 2019 A1 - C. Monroe A1 - W. C. Campbell A1 - L. -M. Duan A1 - Z. -X. Gong A1 - Alexey V. Gorshkov A1 - P. Hess A1 - R. Islam A1 - K. Kim A1 - G. Pagano A1 - P. Richerme A1 - C. Senko A1 - N. Y. Yao AB -

Laser-cooled and trapped atomic ions form an ideal standard for the simulation of interacting quantum spin models. Effective spins are represented by appropriate internal energy levels within each ion, and the spins can be measured with near-perfect efficiency using state-dependent fluorescence techniques. By applying optical fields that exert optical dipole forces on the ions, their Coulomb interaction can be modulated in ways that give rise to long-range and tunable spin-spin interactions that can be reconfigured by shaping the spectrum and pattern of the laser fields. Here we review the theoretical mapping of atomic ions to interacting spin systems, the experimental preparation of complex equilibrium states, and the study of dynamical processes of this many-body interacting quantum system. The use of such quantum simulators for studying spin models may inform our understanding of exotic quantum materials and shed light on interacting quantum systems that cannot be modeled with conventional computers. 

UR - https://arxiv.org/abs/1912.07845 ER -