CAREER: Quantum Many-Body Dynamics and Entanglement Generation in Spatially and Temporally Controlled Spin Systems

Quantum Information Science (QIS) holds the promise to revolutionize the fields of simulation, computation, and sensing with relevance spanning from fundamental physics to industrial applications. Progress in quantum information science is critical for the US economic and national security, necessitating a quantum-aware and ready workforce. Quantum entanglement is the key resource enabling improved performance over classical systems. To fully realize the transformative potential of quantum technologies and its benefits for society, we need to develop the capability to control entanglement generated during the dynamics of quantum many-body systems. This CAREER award will support theoretical investigations of quantum many-body dynamics in long-range interacting spin systems, with the objective of developing a comprehensive toolbox for robust entanglement generation by exploiting static engineering and dynamic control over spatial and temporal structure, interactions, and internal states. This CAREER award will improve STEM education, expanded participation in quantum information science, and help to develop a globally competitive quantum workforce. This work will advance our understanding of and control over the key resource of quantum entanglement by exploiting the emergent capability to statically and dynamically control spatial structure, interactions, and internal levels. Specifically, this project will investigate (i) Spatially designed geometries, (ii) Temporal Control and Hamiltonian Design, (iii) Dynamic spatial rearrangement (iv) multi-level qudits systems. The educational component will improve quantum and STEM education contributing towards building a quantum-ready and aware workforce and society through: (i) high-school workshops/Master classes on “Quantum Entanglement & Enhanced Sensing”, engaging 45 students and teachers annually across Oklahoma and neighboring states ; (iii) advanced “State of the Art Quantum Enhanced Sensing: Theory & Platforms” course for physics majors; and (iv) integrated research and professional training for graduate students. The developed theoretical toolbox will have immediate relevance for experimental platforms, including polar molecules, magnetic, and Rydberg systems, significantly extending their capabilities to control entanglement dynamics. This is expected to significantly extend current capabilities to control the spatial structure and temporal growth of entanglement in long-range interacting spin systems amenable to experimental implementation, with potential applications for real-world quantum advantage in quantum enhanced sensing. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.