Discrete gauge theories coupled to fermionic matter

• Applicant: Sergej Moroz, Ph.D.
• Subject Area: Theoretical Condensed Matter Physics
• Term: from 2016 to 2022
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 278664761

Gauge principle is inexplicably useful for our current understanding of Nature.The main idea of this project is to study a quantum lattice gauge theory of discrete Ising gauge fields interacting with fermionic matter in two spatial dimensions. This model exhibits novel physics which is expected to shed new light on the interplay of gauge and fermionic degrees of freedom, exotic p-wave superfluidity, quantum topological order, clustering and confinement of quantum matter. Main building blocks of this model has been already realized in several proof-of-principle cold atom experiments and extensions to one-dimensional and two-dimensional geometries are expected in the near future.Below the main scientific objectives of this project are briefly summarized:* Map out quantum phases and quantum phase transitions of the model.* Determine the fate of the confinement transition and quantum topological order of the discrete Ising gauge theory in the presence of fermionic matter.* Investigate in this model non-equlibrium dynamics and thermalization. Understand how confinement influences these phenomena.The project is planned to be completed in the productive environment of Technische Universität München in close collaboration with two members of our Emmy Noether research group. The project will be hosted by Professor Frank Pollmann.

• DFG Programme: Emmy Noether Independent Junior Research Groups