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Probing quantum floating phases in Rydberg atom arrays

Author

Listed:
  • Jin Zhang

    (University of Iowa
    Chongqing University
    Chongqing University)

  • Sergio H. Cantú

    (QuEra Computing Inc)

  • Fangli Liu

    (QuEra Computing Inc)

  • Alexei Bylinskii

    (QuEra Computing Inc)

  • Boris Braverman

    (QuEra Computing Inc)

  • Florian Huber

    (QuEra Computing Inc)

  • Jesse Amato-Grill

    (QuEra Computing Inc)

  • Alexander Lukin

    (QuEra Computing Inc)

  • Nathan Gemelke

    (QuEra Computing Inc)

  • Alexander Keesling

    (QuEra Computing Inc)

  • Sheng-Tao Wang

    (QuEra Computing Inc)

  • Yannick Meurice

    (University of Iowa)

  • Shan-Wen Tsai

    (University of California)

Abstract

The floating phase, a critical incommensurate phase, has been theoretically predicted as a potential intermediate phase between crystalline ordered and disordered phases. In this study, we investigate the different quantum phases that arise in ladder arrays comprising up to 92 neutral-atom qubits and experimentally observe the emergence of the quantum floating phase. We analyze the site-resolved Rydberg state densities and the distribution of state occurrences. The site-resolved measurement reveals the formation of domain walls within the commensurate ordered phase, which subsequently proliferate and give rise to the floating phase with incommensurate quasi-long-range order. By analyzing the Fourier spectra of the Rydberg density-density correlations, we observe clear signatures of the incommensurate wave order of the floating phase. Furthermore, as the experimental system sizes increase, we show that the wave vectors approach a continuum of values incommensurate with the lattice. Our work motivates future studies to further explore the nature of commensurate-incommensurate phase transitions and their non-equilibrium physics.

Suggested Citation

  • Jin Zhang & Sergio H. Cantú & Fangli Liu & Alexei Bylinskii & Boris Braverman & Florian Huber & Jesse Amato-Grill & Alexander Lukin & Nathan Gemelke & Alexander Keesling & Sheng-Tao Wang & Yannick Meu, 2025. "Probing quantum floating phases in Rydberg atom arrays," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 16(1), pages 1-7, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:16:y:2025:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-025-55947-2
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-55947-2
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    References listed on IDEAS

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