Quantum coarsening dynamics on a locally programmable atom array

Arrays of neutral atoms have emerged as a versatile platform for quantum simulation and computation, enabling coherent control of hundreds of atoms. In recent years, these systems have demonstrated the preparation of exotic phases of matter and have probed phase transitions via universal quantum critical dynamics [1]. While the dynamics across the phase transition are partially accounted for by the Kibble-Zurek mechanism, much is still unknown about the subsequent significant dynamics beyond it, known as coarsening [2]. Here, we experimentally study the nonequilibrium dynamics as the system is driven through the phase transition, observing power-law growth and scaling of the correlation length consistent with quantum coarsening dynamics. Microscopic snapshots of the system also show growth of the largest domains over time. Furthermore, we apply local detuning profiles to prepare deterministic domain shapes in the ordered state, enabling the study of curvature-driven dynamics of domain walls which are central to coarsening. This work opens further avenues for the exploration of many-body quantum dynamics in Rydberg atom arrays. Further applications to the dynamics of false vacuum decay will also be discussed.

[1] Ebadi, S., Wang, T.T., Levine, H. et al. Quantum phases of matter on a 256-atom programmable quantum simulator. Nature 595, 227–232 (2021).

[2] Samajdar, R., Huse, D. Quantum and classical coarsening and their interplay with the Kibble-Zurek mechanism. arXiv:2401.15144 (2024)