Probing strongly correlated quantum systems with single-atom resolution

Ultracold atoms in optical lattices are a versatile tool to investigate fundamental properties of quantum many body systems. In a series of experiments I demonstrated how the control of such systems can be extended down to the most fundamental level of single atomic spins at specific lattice sites. Using a high-resolution optical imaging system, we were able to obtain fluorescence images of strongly interacting bosonic Mott insulators with single-atom and single-site resolution and addressed the atomic spins with sub-diffraction-limited resolution. In addition, we directly monitored the tunneling quantum dynamics of single atoms in the lattice, and observed quantum-correlated particle-hole pairs spreading of correlations after a parameter quench, and the quantum dynamics of spin-impurities. A new experimental setup involving fermionic 40K is currently under construction at the University of Strathclyde. Our goals are the single-atom-resolved observation of strongly correlated fermionic systems, implementation of novel cooling schemes, engineering of quantum many-body phases and experiments for quantum information processing.