arXiv subjects

Chi-Kin Lai

Publications and source records attributed to Chi-Kin Lai.

7 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2026

Universal scaling of many-body effects in quantum tunneling

Quantum tunneling is fundamental to diverse phenomena and underpins a wide range of modern technologies. In the study of superconducting quantum computation and high-temperature superconducting materials, tunneling on multi-particle scale is central. Recently, several cold atom experiments successfully simulated the tunneling process in a many-particle ensemble. However, the many-body nature remains largely unexplored. Here, we observe the universal scaling of many-body effects in quantum tunneling process, using a hexagonal-triangular quantum simulator with independent control of barrier, temperature and interaction. In the weak-interaction regime, the critical tunneling coefficient scales parabolically with temperature under various conditions, in contrast to the linear scaling of single-particle tunneling. By further increasing the interactions beyond the mean-field regime, the scaling exponent decreases, consistent with quantum field theory predictions. Our results address the fundamental question of how many-body effects renormalize quantum tunneling, with direct implications for correlated quantum matter and devices.

cond-mat.quant-gas↗

arXiv2026

Two-mode collapse and revival of quantum coherent state in a tilted optical lattice

Collective dynamics is an important out-of-equilibrium feature of quantum coherent states and usually reflects the intrinsic properties of the state. Collapse and revival (CR) dynamics of phase coherence is a well-known example for bosonic coherent states, which is usually induced by applying a quench. Previous studies have shown that the CR frequency is governed solely by interactions, even in the presence of a tilt quench. However, whether such interaction-dominated oscillation is a universal feature remains unknown. In this work, we show that an ensemble of one-dimensional bosons can undergo two-mode CR, with frequencies set by both the interaction and the tilt, particularly when the tilt is weaker than the interaction. The newly discovered tilt mode is enabled by tunneling between lattice sites. When the two modes coexist, the amplitudes of both modes exhibit universal linear scaling for various tilts. These findings clarify the general features of CR dynamics in tilted lattice models and the underlying mechanism, and provide deeper insight into collective dynamics in correlated systems.

cond-mat.quant-gas↗

arXiv2025

Probing universal phase diagram of dimensional crossover with an atomic quantum simulator

Dimensionality is a fundamental concept in physics, which plays a hidden but crucial role in various domains, including condensed matter physics, relativity and string theory, statistical physics, etc. In quantum physics, reducing dimensionality usually enhances fluctuations and leads to novel properties. Owing to these effects, quantum simulators in which dimensionality can be controlled have emerged as a new area of interest. However, such a platform has only been studied in specific regimes and a universal phase diagram is lacking. Here, we produce an interacting atomic quantum simulator with continuous tunability of anisotropy and temperature, and probe the universal phase diagram of dimensional crossover. At low temperatures, we identify the regimes from quantum three to zero dimensions. By increasing temperature, we observe the non-trivial emergence of a thermal regime situated between the quantum zero and integer dimensions. We show that the quantum-to thermal transition falls into four different universality classes depending on the dimensionality. Surprisingly, we also detect a fifth type where the high-dimensional quantum system can reach the thermal phase by crossing a low-dimensional quantum regime. Our results provide a crucial foundation for understanding the projective condensed matter structures in unconventional dimensions.

cond-mat.quant-gas↗

arXiv2024

Scattering halos in strongly interacting Feshbach molecular Bose-Einstein condensates

We investigate the scattering halos resulting from collisions between discrete momentum components in the time-of-flight expansion of interaction-tunable $^6\rm Li_2$ molecular Bose-Einstein condensates. A key highlight of this study is the observation of the influence of interactions on the collisional scattering process. We measure the production of scattering halos at different interaction levels by varying the number of particles and the scattering length, and quantitatively assess the applicability of perturbation theory. To delve into a general theory of scattering halos, we introduce a scattering factor and obtain a universal relation between it and the halo ratio. Furthermore, we simulate the formation of scattering halos under non-perturbative conditions and analyze the discrepancies between simulation results and experiments through a return pulse experiment. This study enhances our understanding of the physical mechanisms underlying scattering processes in many-body systems and provides new perspectives for further theoretical research.

cond-mat.quant-gas↗

arXiv2024

Collisional scattering of strongly interacting D-band Feshbach molecules in optical lattices

The excited bands in optical lattices manifest an important tool for studying quantum simulation and many-body physics, making it crucial to measure high-band scattering dynamics under strong interactions. This work investigates both experimentally and theoretically the collisional scattering of $^{6}\rm Li_2$ molecular Bose-Einstein condensate in the $D$ band of a one-dimensional optical lattice, with interaction strength directly tunable via magnetic Feshbach resonance. We find a clear dependence of the $D$-band lifetimes on the interaction strength within the strongly interacting regime, which arises from the fact that the scattering cross-section is proportional to the square of the scattering length. The maximum lifetime versus lattice depth is measured to reveal the effects of interactions. We also investigate the scattering channels of $D$-band molecules under different interaction levels and develop a reliable two-body scattering rate equation. This work provides insight into the interplay between interaction and the collisional scattering of high-band bosons in optical lattices, paving the way for research into strong correlation effects in high-band lattice systems.

cond-mat.quant-gas↗

arXiv2024

Influence of thermal effects on atomic Bloch oscillation

Advancements in the experimental toolbox of cold atoms have enabled the meticulous control of atomic Bloch oscillation within optical lattices, thereby enhancing the capabilities of gravity interferometers. This work delves into the impact of thermal effects on Bloch oscillation in 1D accelerated optical lattices aligned with gravity by varying the system's initial temperature. Through the application of Raman cooling, we effectively reduce the longitudinal thermal effect, stabilizing the longitudinal coherence length over the timescale of its lifetime. The atomic losses over multiple Bloch oscillation is measured, which are primarily attributed to transverse excitation. Furthermore, we identify two distinct inverse scaling behaviors in the oscillation lifetime scaled by the corresponding density with respect to temperatures, implying diverse equilibrium processes within or outside the Bose-Einstein condensate regime. The competition between the system's coherence and atomic density leads to a relatively smooth variation in the actual lifetime versus temperature. Our findings provide valuable insights into the interaction between thermal effects and Bloch oscillation, offering avenues for the refinement of quantum measurement technologies.

cond-mat.quant-gas↗

arXiv2023

Optimal lattice depth on lifetime of D-band ultracold atoms in a triangular optical lattice

Ultracold atoms in optical lattices are a flexible and effective platform for quantum precision measurement, and the lifetime of high-band atoms is an essential parameter for the performance of quantum sensors. In this work, we investigate the relationship between the lattice depth and the lifetime of D-band atoms in a triangular optical lattice and show that there is an optimal lattice depth for the maximum lifetime. After loading the Bose Einstein condensate into D-band of optical lattice by shortcut method, we observe the atomic distribution in quasi-momentum space for the different evolution time, and measure the atomic lifetime at D-band with different lattice depths. The lifetime is maximized at an optimal lattice depth, where the overlaps between the wave function of D-band and other bands (mainly S-band) are minimized. Additionally, we discuss the influence of atomic temperature on lifetime. These experimental results are in agreement with our numerical simulations. This work paves the way to improve coherence properties of optical lattices, and contributes to the implications for the development of quantum precision measurement, quantum communication, and quantum computing.

cond-mat.quant-gas↗