Halimeh Group
We are based at the Arnold Sommerfeld Center for Theoretical Physics of the Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, where our principal investigator Jad Halimeh is a professor of theoretical physics, and at the Max Planck Institute of Quantum Optics, where Jad is the group leader of an independent (free-floating) Max Planck W2 Research Group.
We focus on synthetic quantum systems and on understanding exotic far-from-equilibrium quantum many-body phenomena, particularly those that evade thermalization. A central focus of ours is on far-from-equilibrium quantum many-body criticality, where we try to discern universality based on truly far-from-equilibrium critical exponents and dynamical phase transitions. We also actively devise quantum simulation schemes that allow the realization of far-from-equilibrium quantum many-body dynamics on state-of-the-art analog and digital quantum simulators.
A major research effort of ours is based on the ERC Starting Grant QuSiGauge. It is comprised of two main pillars: (i) a technological one focusing on the quantum simulation and computing of gauge theories, and (ii) a phenomenological one focusing on exploring and understanding exotic far-from-equilibrium gauge-theory dynamics. Using analytic and numerical tools, we develop methods to stabilize gauge theories on various quantum-simulation platforms, ranging from cold atoms to superconducting qubits. The goal is to propose the next generation of experimentally feasible reliable large-scale quantum simulators of gauge theories in higher spatial dimensions and with non-Abelian gauge groups. The purpose of this endeavor is to then utilize these quantum simulators with experimental colleagues in order to probe the rich physics of far-from-equilibrium gauge-theory dynamics that may not be accessible using classical methods. Conversely, we also employ analytic and numerical techniques to discover, enhance, and classify new exotic far-from-equilibrium gauge-theory dynamics that can be observed in current state-of-the-art quantum-simulation platforms, and that can teach us more about the nature of thermalization (and its avoidance) and far-from-equilibrium criticality in isolated quantum many-body systems.
Our group was previously funded through the Emmy Noether program of the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (https://gepris.dfg.de/gepris/projekt/519873523), and is now funded through the Max Planck Society, Munich Center for Quantum Science and Technology, and the ERC Starting Grant QuSiGauge (https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/101165667).
We have several open PhD positions in quantum computing and numerical simulation of gauge theories. The successful candidates will also work with in-house tensor network and exact diagonalization codes, and will actively develop and expand on such codes. The successful candidates are expected to have excellent grades in quantum computing, quantum many-body physics, quantum optics, or similar coursework. We are also constantly looking for Master students. Very motivated candidates with top grades (equivalent to US GPA ≥ 3.8/4.0) should email Prof. Dr. Jad C. Halimeh with their CV, statement of purpose, and transcripts.