Article abstract
Nature Physics 3, 726 - 731 (2007)
Published online: 22 July 2007 | doi:10.1038/nphys678
Subject Categories: Atomic and molecular physics | Quantum physics | Condensed-matter physics
Three-body interactions with cold polar molecules
H. P. Büchler, A. Micheli & P. Zoller
Abstract
Fundamental interactions between particles, such as the Coulomb law, involve pairs of particles, and our understanding of the plethora of phenomena in condensed-matter physics rests on models involving effective two-body interactions. On the other hand, exotic quantum phases, such as topological phases or spin liquids, are often identified as ground states of hamiltonians with three- or more-body terms. Although the study of these phases and the properties of their excitations is currently one of the most exciting developments in theoretical condensed-matter physics, it is difficult to identify real physical systems exhibiting such properties. Here, we show that polar molecules in optical lattices driven by microwave fields naturally give rise to Hubbard models with strong nearest-neighbour three-body interactions, whereas the two-body terms can be tuned with external fields. This may open a new route for an experimental study of exotic quantum phases with quantum degenerate molecular gases.
- Institute for Theoretical Physics, University of Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
- Institute for Quantum Optics and Quantum Information, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
Correspondence to: H. P. Büchler e-mail: hanspeter.buechler@uibk.ac.at
MORE ARTICLES LIKE THIS
These links to content published by NPG are automatically generated.
NEWS AND VIEWS
Quantum many-body physics 2D or not 2D?Nature Physics News and Views (01 Nov 2007)
Atomic and molecular physics Polar molecules in topological orderNature Physics News and Views (01 May 2006)
RESEARCH
A toolbox for lattice-spin models with polar moleculesNature Physics Article (01 May 2006)
Anyonic interferometry and protected memories in atomic spin latticesNature Physics Article (01 Jun 2008)
See all 40 matches for Research
