Acoustic Traps and Lattices for Electrons in Semiconductors

• Published in: Physical review. X Vol. 7; no. 4; p. 041019
• Main Authors: Schuetz, M. J. A., Knörzer, J., Giedke, G., Vandersypen, L. M. K., Lukin, M. D., Cirac, J. I.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: College Park American Physical Society 24.10.2017
• Subjects: Absolute zero; Atoms & subatomic particles; Bose-Einstein condensates; Condensed matter physics; Electromagnetic fields; Electrons; Elementary excitations; Flexibility; Lattice parameters; Low temperature; Mass ratios; Mechanical properties; Nanostructure; Optical lattices; Optical properties; Parameter estimation; Parameter identification; Particle physics; Quantum dots; Simulators; Solid state; Sound waves; Stability; Strong interactions (field theory); Surface acoustic waves; System effectiveness; Trapping
• ISSN: 2160-3308; 2160-3308
• DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevX.7.041019

We propose and analyze a solid-state platform based on surface acoustic waves for trapping, cooling, and controlling (charged) particles, as well as the simulation of quantum many-body systems. We develop a general theoretical framework demonstrating the emergence of effective time-independent acoustic trapping potentials for particles in two- or one-dimensional structures. As our main example, we discuss in detail the generation and applications of a stationary, but movable, acoustic pseudolattice with lattice parameters that are reconfigurable in situ. We identify the relevant figures of merit, discuss potential experimental platforms for a faithful implementation of such an acoustic lattice, and provide estimates for typical system parameters. With a projected lattice spacing on the scale of ∼100nm , this approach allows for relatively large energy scales in the realization of fermionic Hubbard models, with the ultimate prospect of entering the low-temperature, strong interaction regime. Experimental imperfections as well as readout schemes are discussed.