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dc.contributor.advisorGreiner, Markus
dc.contributor.authorLukin, Alexander
dc.date.accessioned2019-08-08T07:59:56Z
dash.embargo.terms2019-11-01
dc.date.created2018-11
dc.date.issued2018-09-25
dc.date.submitted2018
dc.identifier.citationLukin, Alexander. 2018. Entanglement Dynamics in One Dimension: From Quantum Thermalization to Many-Body Localization. Doctoral dissertation, Harvard University, Graduate School of Arts & Sciences.
dc.identifier.urihttp://nrs.harvard.edu/urn-3:HUL.InstRepos:41121196*
dc.description.abstractClassical statistical mechanics relies on the ergodic hypothesis, which states that a system explores the entire allowed phase space during its time evolution. Pure quantum states are at odds with this concept as they remain in a single quantum state even if the system's parameters are suddenly altered. However, in a generic many-body system, coherent dynamics drive local thermalization of its subsystems. In this case, any local observable appears thermal and can be described by a statistical ensemble even though the full state remains pure. The key to understanding the phenomenon of quantum thermalization lies in the entanglement properties of the system: The presence of entanglement creates local entropy that validates the use of statistical physics. In this thesis, we experimentally study the emergence of statistical mechanics in a quantum state and observe the fundamental role of quantum entanglement in facilitating this emergence. We perform microscopy on an evolving quantum system, and we see thermalization occur on a local scale while we measure that the full quantum state remains pure. The only known robust exception from the paradigm of quantum thermalization is provided by disordered systems. In this case, the particle transport ceases through the system, preventing the formation of a sufficient amount of entanglement required for thermalization. However, if the many-body system is interacting, the state develops non-local quantum correlations that are inaccessible to any local observable. These correlations spread exponentially slowly in time throughout the entire system and are considered a hallmark feature of many-body-localized states. In order to study the interplay between thermalization and localization in our system, we develop novel methods for high fidelity state preparation and readout. We achieved an exquisite isolation of our system from the environment, which allows us to monitor coherent many-body dynamics over multiple decades of time evolution. We experimentally realize such a many-body localized system and observe the formation of non-local quantum correlations, while the particle transport is frozen in the system. Our work experimentally establishes many-body localization as a qualitatively distinct phenomenon from localization in non-interacting, disordered systems.
dc.description.sponsorshipPhysics
dc.format.mimetypeapplication/pdf
dc.language.isoen
dash.licenseLAA
dc.subjectEntanglement
dc.subjectQuantum thermalization
dc.subjectMany-body localization
dc.titleEntanglement Dynamics in One Dimension: From Quantum Thermalization to Many-Body Localization
dc.typeThesis or Dissertation
dash.depositing.authorLukin, Alexander
dash.embargo.until2019-11-01
dc.date.available2019-08-08T07:59:56Z
thesis.degree.date2018
thesis.degree.grantorGraduate School of Arts & Sciences
thesis.degree.grantorGraduate School of Arts & Sciences
thesis.degree.levelDoctoral
thesis.degree.levelDoctoral
thesis.degree.nameDoctor of Philosophy
thesis.degree.nameDoctor of Philosophy
dc.contributor.committeeMemberDemler, Eugene
dc.contributor.committeeMemberDoyle, John
dc.type.materialtext
thesis.degree.departmentPhysics
thesis.degree.departmentPhysics
dash.identifier.vireo
dc.identifier.orcid0000-0002-4930-8722
dash.author.emailalexandre.lukin@gmail.com


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