Showing 1–50 of 67 results for author: Barreiro, T

Scaling solutions in three-form cosmology

Authors: Vitor da Fonseca, Bruno J. Barros, Tiago Barreiro, Nelson J. Nunes

Abstract: A hybrid three-form model of dark energy is developed in order to identify scaling solutions, a long-sought feature in three-form cosmology. Exploiting Hodge dualities, the theory is formulated in terms of two scalar functions that are associated with the conjugate momentum, and the three-form dual vector in an isotropic background. The resulting Lagrangian yields a stable scaling attractor where… ▽ More A hybrid three-form model of dark energy is developed in order to identify scaling solutions, a long-sought feature in three-form cosmology. Exploiting Hodge dualities, the theory is formulated in terms of two scalar functions that are associated with the conjugate momentum, and the three-form dual vector in an isotropic background. The resulting Lagrangian yields a stable scaling attractor where the three-form energy density tracks the dominant background fluid. A dynamical mechanism is also identified that naturally drives the system out of this regime toward a late-time accelerated phase distinguishable from a cosmological constant. This constitutes the first realization of scaling behavior within a three-form dark energy framework. △ Less

Submitted 17 February, 2026; originally announced February 2026.

Comments: 15 pages, 5 figures

Turquoise Magic Wavelength of the ${}^{87}$Sr Clock Transition

Authors: G. Kestler, R. J. Sedlik, E. C. Trapp, M. S. Safronova, J. T. Barreiro

Abstract: Optical lattice clocks of fermionic strontium offer a versatile platform for probing fundamental physics and developing quantum technologies. The bivalent electronic structure of strontium gives rise to a doubly-forbidden atomic transition that is accessible due to hyperfine mixing in fermionic strontium-87, thus resulting in a sub-millihertz natural linewidth. Currently, the most accurate optical… ▽ More Optical lattice clocks of fermionic strontium offer a versatile platform for probing fundamental physics and developing quantum technologies. The bivalent electronic structure of strontium gives rise to a doubly-forbidden atomic transition that is accessible due to hyperfine mixing in fermionic strontium-87, thus resulting in a sub-millihertz natural linewidth. Currently, the most accurate optical lattice clocks operate on this narrow transition by tightly trapping strontium-87 atoms in a {\em magic} optical lattice at 813~nm. {\em Magic} wavelengths occur where the Stark shifts of both the ground and excited states are equivalent, thus eliminating any position and intensity-dependent broadening of the corresponding transition. Theoretical calculations of the electronic structure of strontium-87 have also predicted another {\em magic} wavelength of the clock transition at 497.01(57)~nm. In this work, we experimentally measure the novel {\em magic} wavelength to be $497.4363(3)$~nm. Compared to the 813~nm {\em magic} wavelength, 497~nm is closer to the strong 461~nm dipolar transition of strontium, resulting in larger atomic polarizability by an order of magnitude, providing deeper traps with less optical power. The proximity to the 461~transition also leads to an enhanced sensitivity of 334(10)~Hz/(nm\,$E_{R}$) at the {\em magic} wavelength. △ Less

Submitted 23 June, 2025; originally announced June 2025.

Comments: 7 pages, 6 figures

The CosmoVerse White Paper: Addressing observational tensions in cosmology with systematics and fundamental physics

Authors: Eleonora Di Valentino, Jackson Levi Said, Adam Riess, Agnieszka Pollo, Vivian Poulin, Adrià Gómez-Valent, Amanda Weltman, Antonella Palmese, Caroline D. Huang, Carsten van de Bruck, Chandra Shekhar Saraf, Cheng-Yu Kuo, Cora Uhlemann, Daniela Grandón, Dante Paz, Dominique Eckert, Elsa M. Teixeira, Emmanuel N. Saridakis, Eoin Ó Colgáin, Florian Beutler, Florian Niedermann, Francesco Bajardi, Gabriela Barenboim, Giulia Gubitosi, Ilaria Musella , et al. (516 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: The standard model of cosmology has provided a good phenomenological description of a wide range of observations both at astrophysical and cosmological scales for several decades. This concordance model is constructed by a universal cosmological constant and supported by a matter sector described by the standard model of particle physics and a cold dark matter contribution, as well as very early-t… ▽ More The standard model of cosmology has provided a good phenomenological description of a wide range of observations both at astrophysical and cosmological scales for several decades. This concordance model is constructed by a universal cosmological constant and supported by a matter sector described by the standard model of particle physics and a cold dark matter contribution, as well as very early-time inflationary physics, and underpinned by gravitation through general relativity. There have always been open questions about the soundness of the foundations of the standard model. However, recent years have shown that there may also be questions from the observational sector with the emergence of differences between certain cosmological probes. In this White Paper, we identify the key objectives that need to be addressed over the coming decade together with the core science projects that aim to meet these challenges. These discordances primarily rest on the divergence in the measurement of core cosmological parameters with varying levels of statistical confidence. These possible statistical tensions may be partially accounted for by systematics in various measurements or cosmological probes but there is also a growing indication of potential new physics beyond the standard model. After reviewing the principal probes used in the measurement of cosmological parameters, as well as potential systematics, we discuss the most promising array of potential new physics that may be observable in upcoming surveys. We also discuss the growing set of novel data analysis approaches that go beyond traditional methods to test physical models. [Abridged] △ Less

Submitted 4 August, 2025; v1 submitted 2 April, 2025; originally announced April 2025.

Comments: 416 pages, 81 figures

Journal ref: Phys. Dark Univ. 49 (2025) 101965

Non-canonical 3-form dark energy

Authors: Vitor da Fonseca, Bruno J. Barros, Tiago Barreiro, Nelson J. Nunes

Abstract: In this study, we meticulously construct a 3-form Lagrangian designed to mimic the dynamics of both dust matter in the past and dark energy driving the acceleration in the present era. A dynamical systems approach is used to investigate the underlying behavior of the cosmological background. By investigating the influence of the potential slope and initial conditions on the dynamical solutions, we… ▽ More In this study, we meticulously construct a 3-form Lagrangian designed to mimic the dynamics of both dust matter in the past and dark energy driving the acceleration in the present era. A dynamical systems approach is used to investigate the underlying behavior of the cosmological background. By investigating the influence of the potential slope and initial conditions on the dynamical solutions, we identify distinct viable scenarios capable of replicating a De Sitter universe in the present epoch. An intriguing aspect of the model is the existence of solutions describing multiple inflationary phases in which the 3-form self-interacting potential decays rapidly. △ Less

Submitted 27 January, 2025; v1 submitted 15 October, 2024; originally announced October 2024.

Comments: 12 pages, 6 figures, 2 tables. V2: matches published version

Journal ref: Physics of the Dark Universe 47 (2025) 101827

Apparatus for Optical-Atomic System Integration & Calibration: 1 atm to 1$\times$10$^{-11}$ Torr in 24h

Authors: G. Kestler, K. Ton, J. T. Barreiro

Abstract: Ultracold atoms exquisitely controlled by lasers are the quantum foundation, particularly for sensing, timekeeping, and computing, of state-of-the-art quantum science and technology. However, the laboratory-scale infrastructure for such optical-atomic quantum apparatuses rarely translates into commercial applications. A promising solution is miniaturizing the optical layouts onto a chip-scale devi… ▽ More Ultracold atoms exquisitely controlled by lasers are the quantum foundation, particularly for sensing, timekeeping, and computing, of state-of-the-art quantum science and technology. However, the laboratory-scale infrastructure for such optical-atomic quantum apparatuses rarely translates into commercial applications. A promising solution is miniaturizing the optical layouts onto a chip-scale device integrated with cold atoms inside a compact ultra-high vacuum (UHV) chamber. For prototyping purposes, however, rapidly loading or exchanging test photonic devices into a UHV chamber is limited by the evacuation time from atmospheric pressures to the optimal pressures for ultracold atoms of $1\times10^{-11}$ Torr, a process typically taking weeks or months without cryogenics. Here, we present a loadlock apparatus and loading procedure capable of venting, exchanging, and evacuating back to $<1\times10^{-11}$ Torr in under 24 hours. Our system allows for rapid testing and benchmarking of various photonic devices with ultracold atoms. △ Less

Submitted 17 July, 2024; originally announced July 2024.

Journal ref: Rev. Sci. Instrum. 95, 103201 (2024)

Euclid. I. Overview of the Euclid mission

Authors: Euclid Collaboration, Y. Mellier, Abdurro'uf, J. A. Acevedo Barroso, A. Achúcarro, J. Adamek, R. Adam, G. E. Addison, N. Aghanim, M. Aguena, V. Ajani, Y. Akrami, A. Al-Bahlawan, A. Alavi, I. S. Albuquerque, G. Alestas, G. Alguero, A. Allaoui, S. W. Allen, V. Allevato, A. V. Alonso-Tetilla, B. Altieri, A. Alvarez-Candal, S. Alvi, A. Amara , et al. (1115 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: The current standard model of cosmology successfully describes a variety of measurements, but the nature of its main ingredients, dark matter and dark energy, remains unknown. Euclid is a medium-class mission in the Cosmic Vision 2015-2025 programme of the European Space Agency (ESA) that will provide high-resolution optical imaging, as well as near-infrared imaging and spectroscopy, over about 14… ▽ More The current standard model of cosmology successfully describes a variety of measurements, but the nature of its main ingredients, dark matter and dark energy, remains unknown. Euclid is a medium-class mission in the Cosmic Vision 2015-2025 programme of the European Space Agency (ESA) that will provide high-resolution optical imaging, as well as near-infrared imaging and spectroscopy, over about 14,000 deg^2 of extragalactic sky. In addition to accurate weak lensing and clustering measurements that probe structure formation over half of the age of the Universe, its primary probes for cosmology, these exquisite data will enable a wide range of science. This paper provides a high-level overview of the mission, summarising the survey characteristics, the various data-processing steps, and data products. We also highlight the main science objectives and expected performance. △ Less

Submitted 24 September, 2024; v1 submitted 22 May, 2024; originally announced May 2024.

Comments: Accepted for publication in the A&A special issue`Euclid on Sky'

Journal ref: A&A 697, A1 (2025)

Relaxing cosmological constraints on current neutrino masses

Authors: Vitor da Fonseca, Tiago Barreiro, Nelson J. Nunes

Abstract: We show that a mass-varying neutrino model driven by scalar field dark energy relaxes the existing upper bound on the current neutrino mass to ${\sum m_ν< 0.72}$ eV. We extend the standard $Λ$ cold dark matter model by introducing two parameters: the rate of change of the scalar field with the number of $e$-folds and the coupling between neutrinos and the field. We investigate how they affect the… ▽ More We show that a mass-varying neutrino model driven by scalar field dark energy relaxes the existing upper bound on the current neutrino mass to ${\sum m_ν< 0.72}$ eV. We extend the standard $Λ$ cold dark matter model by introducing two parameters: the rate of change of the scalar field with the number of $e$-folds and the coupling between neutrinos and the field. We investigate how they affect the matter power spectrum, the cosmic microwave background anisotropies and its lensing potential. The model is tested against Planck observations of temperature, polarization, and lensing, combined with baryon acoustic oscillation measurements that constrain the background evolution. The results indicate that small couplings favor a cosmological constant, while larger couplings favor a dynamical dark energy, weakening the upper bound on current neutrino masses. △ Less

Submitted 15 April, 2024; v1 submitted 3 November, 2023; originally announced November 2023.

Comments: 14 pages, 9 figures. V2: matches the published version

Journal ref: Phys. Rev. D 109, 063517 - Published 13 March 2024

Testing $Λ$-Free f(Q) Cosmology

Authors: José Ferreira, Tiago Barreiro, José P. Mimoso, Nelson J. Nunes

Abstract: We study a model of Symmetric Teleparallel gravity that is able to account for the current accelerated expansion of the universe without the need for dark energy component. We investigate this model by making use of dynamical system analysis techniques to identify the regions of the parameter space with viable cosmologies and constrain it using type Ia supernova (SnIa), cosmic microwave background… ▽ More We study a model of Symmetric Teleparallel gravity that is able to account for the current accelerated expansion of the universe without the need for dark energy component. We investigate this model by making use of dynamical system analysis techniques to identify the regions of the parameter space with viable cosmologies and constrain it using type Ia supernova (SnIa), cosmic microwave background (CMB) data and make forecasts using standard siren (SS) events. We conclude that this model is disfavored with respect to $Λ$CDM and forthcoming standard siren events can be decisive in testing the viability of the model. △ Less

Submitted 25 September, 2023; v1 submitted 16 June, 2023; originally announced June 2023.

Comments: 9 pages, 3 figures, version 2 revision

State-Insensitive Trapping of Alkaline-Earth Atoms in a Nanofiber-Based Optical Dipole Trap

Authors: K. Ton, G. Kestler, D. Filin, C. Cheung, P. Schneeweiss, T. Hoinkes, J. Volz, M. S. Safronova, A. Rauschenbeutel, J. T. Barreiro

Abstract: Neutral atoms trapped in the evanescent optical potentials of nanotapered optical fibers are a promising platform for developing quantum technologies and exploring fundamental science, such as quantum networks and quantum electrodynamics. Building on the successful advancements with trapped alkali atoms, here we demonstrate a state-insensitive optical dipole trap for strontium-88, an alkaline-eart… ▽ More Neutral atoms trapped in the evanescent optical potentials of nanotapered optical fibers are a promising platform for developing quantum technologies and exploring fundamental science, such as quantum networks and quantum electrodynamics. Building on the successful advancements with trapped alkali atoms, here we demonstrate a state-insensitive optical dipole trap for strontium-88, an alkaline-earth atom, using the evanescent fields of a nanotapered optical fiber. Leveraging the low laser-cooling temperatures of $\sim\!\!1~μ$K readily achievable with strontium, we demonstrate trapping in record low trap depths corresponding to $\sim\!\!3~μ$K. Further, employing a double magic wavelength trapping scheme, we realize state-insensitive trapping on the kilohertz-wide $5s^{2}\;^{1}\!S_{0}-5s5p\;^{3}\!P_{1,|m|=1}$ cooling transition, which we verify by performing near-surface high-resolution spectroscopy of the atomic transition. This allows us to experimentally find and verify the state insensitivity of the trap nearby a theoretically predicted magic wavelength of 435.827(25) nm. Given the non-magnetic ground state and low collisional scattering length of strontium-88, this work also lays the foundation for developing versatile and robust matter-wave atomtronic circuits over nanophotonic waveguides. △ Less

Submitted 12 October, 2023; v1 submitted 7 November, 2022; originally announced November 2022.

Comments: 14 pages, 15 figures

Journal ref: PRX Quantum 4, 040308 (2023)

Is there evidence for CIDER in the Universe?

Authors: Bruno J. Barros, Diogo Castelão, Vitor da Fonseca, Tiago Barreiro, Nelson J. Nunes, Ismael Tereno

Abstract: In this work we analyze the full linear behaviour of the constrained interacting dark energy (CIDER) model, which is a conformally coupled quintessence model tailored to mimic a $Λ$CDM expansion. We compute the matter and temperature anisotropies power spectra and test the model against recent observational data. We shed light on some particular subtleties of the background behaviour that were not… ▽ More In this work we analyze the full linear behaviour of the constrained interacting dark energy (CIDER) model, which is a conformally coupled quintessence model tailored to mimic a $Λ$CDM expansion. We compute the matter and temperature anisotropies power spectra and test the model against recent observational data. We shed light on some particular subtleties of the background behaviour that were not fully captured in previous works, and study the physics of the linear cosmological observables. One novelty found was that matter perturbations are enhanced at large scales when compared with the ones of the standard $Λ$CDM. The reason and impact of this trend on the cosmological observables and on the physics of the early Universe are considered. We find that the introduction of the coupling parameter alleviates the $σ_8$ tension between early and late time probes although Planck data favours the $Λ$CDM limit of the model. △ Less

Submitted 15 January, 2023; v1 submitted 9 September, 2022; originally announced September 2022.

Comments: 13 pages, 11 figures, 1 table. V2: Matches published version

Journal ref: JCAP 01 (2023) 013

New Horizons for Fundamental Physics with LISA

Authors: K. G. Arun, Enis Belgacem, Robert Benkel, Laura Bernard, Emanuele Berti, Gianfranco Bertone, Marc Besancon, Diego Blas, Christian G. Böhmer, Richard Brito, Gianluca Calcagni, Alejandro Cardenas-Avendaño, Katy Clough, Marco Crisostomi, Valerio De Luca, Daniela Doneva, Stephanie Escoffier, Jose Maria Ezquiaga, Pedro G. Ferreira, Pierre Fleury, Stefano Foffa, Gabriele Franciolini, Noemi Frusciante, Juan García-Bellido, Carlos Herdeiro , et al. (116 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: The Laser Interferometer Space Antenna (LISA) has the potential to reveal wonders about the fundamental theory of nature at play in the extreme gravity regime, where the gravitational interaction is both strong and dynamical. In this white paper, the Fundamental Physics Working Group of the LISA Consortium summarizes the current topics in fundamental physics where LISA observations of GWs can be e… ▽ More The Laser Interferometer Space Antenna (LISA) has the potential to reveal wonders about the fundamental theory of nature at play in the extreme gravity regime, where the gravitational interaction is both strong and dynamical. In this white paper, the Fundamental Physics Working Group of the LISA Consortium summarizes the current topics in fundamental physics where LISA observations of GWs can be expected to provide key input. We provide the briefest of reviews to then delineate avenues for future research directions and to discuss connections between this working group, other working groups and the consortium work package teams. These connections must be developed for LISA to live up to its science potential in these areas. △ Less

Submitted 3 May, 2022; originally announced May 2022.

Comments: Accepted in: Living Reviews in Relativity

MSC Class: 83CXX

Cosmology with the Laser Interferometer Space Antenna

Authors: Pierre Auclair, David Bacon, Tessa Baker, Tiago Barreiro, Nicola Bartolo, Enis Belgacem, Nicola Bellomo, Ido Ben-Dayan, Daniele Bertacca, Marc Besancon, Jose J. Blanco-Pillado, Diego Blas, Guillaume Boileau, Gianluca Calcagni, Robert Caldwell, Chiara Caprini, Carmelita Carbone, Chia-Feng Chang, Hsin-Yu Chen, Nelson Christensen, Sebastien Clesse, Denis Comelli, Giuseppe Congedo, Carlo Contaldi, Marco Crisostomi , et al. (155 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: The Laser Interferometer Space Antenna (LISA) has two scientific objectives of cosmological focus: to probe the expansion rate of the universe, and to understand stochastic gravitational-wave backgrounds and their implications for early universe and particle physics, from the MeV to the Planck scale. However, the range of potential cosmological applications of gravitational wave observations exten… ▽ More The Laser Interferometer Space Antenna (LISA) has two scientific objectives of cosmological focus: to probe the expansion rate of the universe, and to understand stochastic gravitational-wave backgrounds and their implications for early universe and particle physics, from the MeV to the Planck scale. However, the range of potential cosmological applications of gravitational wave observations extends well beyond these two objectives. This publication presents a summary of the state of the art in LISA cosmology, theory and methods, and identifies new opportunities to use gravitational wave observations by LISA to probe the universe. △ Less

Submitted 11 April, 2022; originally announced April 2022.

Report number: LISA CosWG-22-03

Journal ref: Living Rev.Rel. 26 (2023) 1, 5

Fundamental Physics with ESPRESSO, Constraining a simple parametrisation for varying $α$

Authors: Vitor da Fonseca, Tiago Barreiro, Nelson J. Nunes, Stefano Cristiani, Guido Cupani, Valentina D'Odorico, Ricardo Génova Santos, Ana C. O. Leite, Catarina M. J. Marques, Carlos J. A. P. Martins, Dinko Milaković, Paolo Molaro, Michael T. Murphy, Tobias M. Schmidt, Manuel Abreu, Vardan Adibekyan, Alexandre Cabral, Paolo Di Marcantonio, Jonay I. González Hernández, Enric Palle, Francesco A. Pepe, Rafael Rebolo, Nuno C. Santos, Sérgio G. Sousa, Alessandro Sozzetti , et al. (2 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: The spectrograph ESPRESSO recently obtained a limit on the variation of the fine-structure constant, $α$, through measurements along the line of sight of a bright quasar with a precision of $1.36$ ppm at $1σ$ level. This imposes new constraints on cosmological models with a varying $α$. We assume such a model where the electromagnetic sector is coupled to a scalar field dark energy responsible for… ▽ More The spectrograph ESPRESSO recently obtained a limit on the variation of the fine-structure constant, $α$, through measurements along the line of sight of a bright quasar with a precision of $1.36$ ppm at $1σ$ level. This imposes new constraints on cosmological models with a varying $α$. We assume such a model where the electromagnetic sector is coupled to a scalar field dark energy responsible for the current acceleration of the Universe. We parametrise the variation of $α$ with two extra parameters, one defining the cosmological evolution of the quintessence component and the other fixing the coupling with the electromagnetic field. The objective of this work is to constrain these parameters with both astrophysical and local probes. We also carried out a comparative analysis of how each data probe may constrain our parametrisation. We performed a Bayesian analysis by comparing the predictions of the model with observations. The astrophysical datasets are composed of quasar spectra measurements, including the latest ESPRESSO data point, as well as Planck observations of the cosmic microwave background. We combined these with local results from atomic clocks and the MICROSCOPE experiment. The constraints placed on the quintessence parameter are consistent with a null variation of the field, and are therefore compatible with a $Λ$CDM cosmology. The constraints on the coupling to the electromagnetic sector are dominated by the Eötvös parameter local bound. More precise measurements with ESPRESSO will be extremely important to study the cosmological evolution of $α$ as it probes an interval of redshift not accessible to other types of observations. However, for this particular model, current available data favour a null variation of $α$ resulting mostly from the strong MICROSCOPE limits. △ Less

Submitted 14 November, 2022; v1 submitted 6 April, 2022; originally announced April 2022.

Comments: 9 pages, 7 figures, as published in A&A

Journal ref: A&A 666, A57 (2022)

Simple parametrisation for coupled dark energy

Authors: Vitor da Fonseca, Tiago Barreiro, Nelson J. Nunes

Abstract: We propose a phenomenological generalisation of the standard model with only one extra degree of freedom that parametrises the evolution of a scalar field responsible for the cosmic acceleration. The model also foresees an additional parameter in the form of a coupling between dark energy and dark matter. This model captures a large diversity of dark energy evolutions at low redshift and could use… ▽ More We propose a phenomenological generalisation of the standard model with only one extra degree of freedom that parametrises the evolution of a scalar field responsible for the cosmic acceleration. The model also foresees an additional parameter in the form of a coupling between dark energy and dark matter. This model captures a large diversity of dark energy evolutions at low redshift and could usefully complement common CPL parametrisations widely used. In this context, we have been constraining the parametrisation with data from Planck and KiDS, bringing different results between the early and late universe observations. △ Less

Submitted 5 April, 2022; originally announced April 2022.

Comments: 11 pages, 6 figures, Contribution to the Sixteenth Marcel Grossman Conference (MG16, Rome, July, 2021), to be published by World Scientific; based on arXiv:2104.14889v2

Forecasting F(Q) cosmology with $Λ$CDM background using standard sirens

Authors: José Ferreira, Tiago Barreiro, José Mimoso, Nelson J. Nunes

Abstract: Forecast constraints for a Symmetric Teleparallel Gravity model with a $Λ$CDM background are made using forthcoming ground and space based gravitational waves observatories. A Bayesian analysis resorting to generated mock catalogs shows that LIGO is not expected to be able to distinguish this model from $Λ$CDM, while both LISA and the ET will, with the ET outperforming LISA. We also show that low… ▽ More Forecast constraints for a Symmetric Teleparallel Gravity model with a $Λ$CDM background are made using forthcoming ground and space based gravitational waves observatories. A Bayesian analysis resorting to generated mock catalogs shows that LIGO is not expected to be able to distinguish this model from $Λ$CDM, while both LISA and the ET will, with the ET outperforming LISA. We also show that low redshift events are favored in order to improve the quality of the constrains. △ Less

Submitted 19 October, 2022; v1 submitted 25 March, 2022; originally announced March 2022.

Comments: 10 pages, 8 figures, fixed typo on equation (42)

Experimental realization of a fermionic spin-momentum lattice

Authors: Paul Lauria, Wei-Ting Kuo, Nigel R. Cooper, Julio T. Barreiro

Abstract: We experimentally realize a spin-momentum lattice with a homogeneously trapped Fermi gas. The lattice is created via cyclically-rotated atom-laser couplings between three bare atomic spin states, and are such that they form a triangular lattice in a synthetic spin-momentum space. We demonstrate the lattice and explore its dynamics with spin- and momentum-resolved absorption imaging. This platform… ▽ More We experimentally realize a spin-momentum lattice with a homogeneously trapped Fermi gas. The lattice is created via cyclically-rotated atom-laser couplings between three bare atomic spin states, and are such that they form a triangular lattice in a synthetic spin-momentum space. We demonstrate the lattice and explore its dynamics with spin- and momentum-resolved absorption imaging. This platform will provide new opportunities for synthetic spin systems and the engineering of topological bands. In particular, the use of three spin states in two spatial dimensions would allow the simulation of synthetic magnetic fields of high spatial uniformity, which would lead to ultra-narrow Chern bands that support robust fractional quantum Hall states. △ Less

Submitted 10 March, 2022; originally announced March 2022.

Comments: 13 pages, 8 figures

Journal ref: Phys. Rev. Lett. 128, 245301 (2022)

Magic wavelengths of the Sr ($5s^2\;^1\!S_0$--$5s5p\;^3\!P_1$) intercombination transition near the $5s5p\;^3\!P_1$--$5p^2\;^3\!P_2$ transition

Authors: Grady Kestler, Khang Ton, Dmytro Filin, Marianna S. Safronova, Julio T. Barreiro

Abstract: Predicting magic wavelengths accurately requires precise knowledge of electric-dipole matrix elements of nearby atomic transitions. As a result, measurements of magic wavelengths allow us to test theoretical predictions for the matrix elements that frequently can not be probed by any other methods. Here, we calculate and measure a magic wavelength near $473$ nm of the… ▽ More Predicting magic wavelengths accurately requires precise knowledge of electric-dipole matrix elements of nearby atomic transitions. As a result, measurements of magic wavelengths allow us to test theoretical predictions for the matrix elements that frequently can not be probed by any other methods. Here, we calculate and measure a magic wavelength near $473$ nm of the $5s^2\,^1\!S_0 - 5s5p\,^3\!P_1$ intercombination transition of ${}^{88}$Sr. Experimentally, we find $473.361(4)$ nm for $Δm=0$ ($π$ transition) and $473.133(14)$ nm for $Δm=-1$ ($σ^{-}$ transition). Theoretical calculations yield $473.375(22)$~nm and $473.145(20)$ nm, respectively. The $^3\!P_1$ polarizability is dominated by the contributions to the $5p^2\, ^3\!P$ levels and excellent agreement of theory and experiment validates both theoretical values of these matrix elements and estimates of their uncertainties. △ Less

Submitted 31 January, 2022; v1 submitted 8 November, 2021; originally announced November 2021.

Journal ref: Phys. Rev. A 105, 012821 (2022)

A simple parametrisation for coupled dark energy

Authors: Vitor da Fonseca, Tiago Barreiro, Nelson J. Nunes

Abstract: As an alternative to the popular parametrisations of the dark energy equation of state, we construct a quintessence model where the scalar field has a linear dependence on the number of e-folds. Constraints on more complex models are typically limited by the degeneracies that increase with the number of parameters. The proposed parametrisation conveniently constrains the evolution of the dark ener… ▽ More As an alternative to the popular parametrisations of the dark energy equation of state, we construct a quintessence model where the scalar field has a linear dependence on the number of e-folds. Constraints on more complex models are typically limited by the degeneracies that increase with the number of parameters. The proposed parametrisation conveniently constrains the evolution of the dark energy equation of state as it allows for a wide variety of time evolutions. We also consider a non-minimal coupling to cold dark matter. We fit the model with Planck and KiDS observational data. The CMB favours a non-vanishing coupling with energy transfer from dark energy to dark matter. Conversely, gravitational weak lensing measurements slightly favour energy transfer from dark matter to dark energy, with a substantial departure of the dark energy equation of state from -1. △ Less

Submitted 16 December, 2021; v1 submitted 30 April, 2021; originally announced April 2021.

Comments: 18 pages, 7 figures

Journal ref: Physics of the Dark Universe, Volume 35, 2022, 100940

Testing $F(Q)$ gravity with redshift space distortions

Authors: Bruno J. Barros, Tiago Barreiro, Tomi Koivisto, Nelson J. Nunes

Abstract: A Bayesian statistical analysis using redshift space distortions data is performed to test a model of Symmetric Teleparallel Gravity where gravity is non-metrical. The cosmological background mimics a $Λ$CDM evolution but differences arise in the perturbations. The linear matter fluctuations are numerically evolved and the study of the growth rate of structures is analysed in this cosmological set… ▽ More A Bayesian statistical analysis using redshift space distortions data is performed to test a model of Symmetric Teleparallel Gravity where gravity is non-metrical. The cosmological background mimics a $Λ$CDM evolution but differences arise in the perturbations. The linear matter fluctuations are numerically evolved and the study of the growth rate of structures is analysed in this cosmological setting. The best fit parameters reveal that the $σ_8$ tension between Planck and Large Scale Structure data can be alleviated within this framework. △ Less

Submitted 16 April, 2020; originally announced April 2020.

Comments: 6 pages, 5 figures

Journal ref: Physics of the Dark Universe 30 (2020) 100616

Prospects for Fundamental Physics with LISA

Authors: Enrico Barausse, Emanuele Berti, Thomas Hertog, Scott A. Hughes, Philippe Jetzer, Paolo Pani, Thomas P. Sotiriou, Nicola Tamanini, Helvi Witek, Kent Yagi, Nicolas Yunes, T. Abdelsalhin, A. Achucarro, K. V. Aelst, N. Afshordi, S. Akcay, L. Annulli, K. G. Arun, I. Ayuso, V. Baibhav, T. Baker, H. Bantilan, T. Barreiro, C. Barrera-Hinojosa, N. Bartolo , et al. (296 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: In this paper, which is of programmatic rather than quantitative nature, we aim to further delineate and sharpen the future potential of the LISA mission in the area of fundamental physics. Given the very broad range of topics that might be relevant to LISA, we present here a sample of what we view as particularly promising directions, based in part on the current research interests of the LISA sc… ▽ More In this paper, which is of programmatic rather than quantitative nature, we aim to further delineate and sharpen the future potential of the LISA mission in the area of fundamental physics. Given the very broad range of topics that might be relevant to LISA, we present here a sample of what we view as particularly promising directions, based in part on the current research interests of the LISA scientific community in the area of fundamental physics. We organize these directions through a "science-first" approach that allows us to classify how LISA data can inform theoretical physics in a variety of areas. For each of these theoretical physics classes, we identify the sources that are currently expected to provide the principal contribution to our knowledge, and the areas that need further development. The classification presented here should not be thought of as cast in stone, but rather as a fluid framework that is amenable to change with the flow of new insights in theoretical physics. △ Less

Submitted 27 April, 2020; v1 submitted 27 January, 2020; originally announced January 2020.

Comments: 22 pages, 1 figure, to appear in General Relativity and Gravitation

Journal ref: Gen.Rel.Grav. 52 (2020) 8, 81

Spherical collapse in coupled quintessence with a $Λ$CDM background

Authors: Bruno J. Barros, Tiago Barreiro, Nelson J. Nunes

Abstract: In this work we study the growth of cold dark matter density perturbations in the nonlinear regime on a conformally coupled quintessence model in which the background is designed to mimic a $Λ$CDM cosmology. The spherical collapse of overdense regions is analyzed. We highlight the role of the coupling on the overall dynamics, trace the evolution of the density contrast throughout the cosmic histor… ▽ More In this work we study the growth of cold dark matter density perturbations in the nonlinear regime on a conformally coupled quintessence model in which the background is designed to mimic a $Λ$CDM cosmology. The spherical collapse of overdense regions is analyzed. We highlight the role of the coupling on the overall dynamics, trace the evolution of the density contrast throughout the cosmic history and compute perturbative parameters such as the critical density contrast. We find that the coupling has the influence of delaying the collapse due to the slower growth of matter perturbations. We follow to compute the cluster number counts using the Press-Schechter and Sheth-Tormen mass functions. In both cases, the transfer of energy between the dark energy field and dark matter suppresses the number of objects at low redshifts and enhances the number at high redshifts. Finally, we compute the expected cluster number counts for the future eROSITA mission and the current South Pole Telescope survey. △ Less

Submitted 2 January, 2020; v1 submitted 23 July, 2019; originally announced July 2019.

Comments: 11 pages, 9 figures. V2: Matches published version

Journal ref: Phys. Rev. D 101, 023502 (2020)

Coupled quintessence with a $Λ$CDM background: removing the $σ_8$ tension

Authors: Bruno J. Barros, Luca Amendola, Tiago Barreiro, Nelson J. Nunes

Abstract: A well-known problem of the $Λ$CDM model is the tension between the relatively high level of clustering, as quantified by the parameter $σ_8$, found in cosmic microwave background experiments and the smaller one obtained from large-scale observations in the late Universe. In this paper we show that coupled quintessence, i.e. a single dark energy scalar field conformally coupled to dark matter thro… ▽ More A well-known problem of the $Λ$CDM model is the tension between the relatively high level of clustering, as quantified by the parameter $σ_8$, found in cosmic microwave background experiments and the smaller one obtained from large-scale observations in the late Universe. In this paper we show that coupled quintessence, i.e. a single dark energy scalar field conformally coupled to dark matter through a constant coupling, can solve this problem if the background is taken to be identical to the $Λ$CDM one. We show that two competing effects arise. On one hand, the additional scalar force is attractive, and is therefore expected to increase the clustering. On the other, in order to obtain the same background as $Λ$CDM, coupled quintessence must have a smaller amount of dark matter near the present epoch. We show that the second effect is dominating today and leads to an overall slower growth. Comparing to redshift distortion data, we find that coupled quintessence with $Λ$CDM background solves the tension between early and late clustering. We find for the coupling $β$ and for $σ_8$ the best fit values $|β| = 0.079^{+ 0.059}_{- 0.067}$ and $σ_8 = 0.818^{+0.115}_{-0.088}$. These values also fit the lensing data from the KiDS-450 survey. We also estimate that the future missions SKA and Euclid will constrain $β$ with an error of $\pm\, 1.5\times10^{-3}$ and for $σ_8$ of $\pm \,1.8\times10^{-3}$ at $1σ$ level. △ Less

Submitted 3 January, 2019; v1 submitted 26 February, 2018; originally announced February 2018.

Comments: 8 pages, 6 figures. V2: Matches published version

Journal ref: JCAP 01 (2019) 007

Interaction effects with varying $N$ in SU($N$) symmetric fermion lattice systems

Authors: Shenglong Xu, Julio Barreiro, Yu Wang, Congjun Wu

Abstract: The interaction effects in ultracold Fermi gases with SU($N$) symmetry are studied non-perturbatively in half-filled one-dimensional lattices by employing quantum Monte Carlo simulations.We find that as $N$ increases, weak and strong interacting systems are driven to a crossover region, but from opposite directions as a convergence of itinerancy and Mottness.In the weak interaction region, particl… ▽ More The interaction effects in ultracold Fermi gases with SU($N$) symmetry are studied non-perturbatively in half-filled one-dimensional lattices by employing quantum Monte Carlo simulations.We find that as $N$ increases, weak and strong interacting systems are driven to a crossover region, but from opposite directions as a convergence of itinerancy and Mottness.In the weak interaction region, particles are nearly itinerant,and inter-particle collisions are enhanced by $N$, resulting in the amplification of interaction effects. In contrast, in the strong coupling region, increasing $N$ softens the Mott-insulating background through the enhanced virtual hopping processes.The crossover region exhibits nearly $N$-independent physical quantities, including the relative bandwidth, Fermi distribution, and the spin structure factor.The difference between even-$N$ and odd-$N$ systems is most prominent at small $N$'s with strong interactions, since the odd case allows local real hopping with an energy scale much larger than the virtual one.The above effects can be experimentally tested in ultracold atom experiments with alkaline-earth (-like) fermions such as $^{87}$Sr ($^{173}$Yb). △ Less

Submitted 30 October, 2018; v1 submitted 5 July, 2017; originally announced July 2017.

Comments: 5+3 pages, 8 figures

Journal ref: Phys. Rev. Lett. 121, 167205 (2018)

An energy-resolved atomic scanning probe

Authors: Daniel Gruss, Chih-Chun Chien, Julio Barreiro, Massimiliano Di Ventra, Michael Zwolak

Abstract: We propose a method to probe the local density of states (LDOS) of atomic systems that provides both spatial and energy resolution. The method combines atomic and tunneling techniques to supply a simple, yet quantitative and operational, definition of the LDOS for both interacting and non-interacting systems: It is the rate at which particles can be siphoned from the system of interest by a narrow… ▽ More We propose a method to probe the local density of states (LDOS) of atomic systems that provides both spatial and energy resolution. The method combines atomic and tunneling techniques to supply a simple, yet quantitative and operational, definition of the LDOS for both interacting and non-interacting systems: It is the rate at which particles can be siphoned from the system of interest by a narrow energy band of non-interacting states contacted locally to the many-body system of interest. Ultracold atoms in optical lattices are a natural platform for implementing this broad concept to visualize the energy and spatial dependence of the atom density in interacting, inhomogeneous lattices. This includes models of strongly correlated condensed matter systems, as well as ones with non-trivial topologies. △ Less

Submitted 21 November, 2018; v1 submitted 6 October, 2016; originally announced October 2016.

Comments: 9 pages, 7 figures; Appeared in the Focus on Quantum Transport in Ultracold Atoms in the New Journal of Physics

Journal ref: New Journal of Physics 20, 115005 (2018)

Screening three-form fields

Authors: Tiago Barreiro, Ugo Bertello, Nelson J. Nunes

Abstract: Screening mechanisms for a three-form field around a dense source such as the Sun are investigated. Working with the dual vector, we can obtain a thin-shell where field interactions are short range. The field outside the source adopts the configuration of a dipole which is a manifestly distinct behaviour from the one obtained with a scalar field or even a previously proposed vector field model. We… ▽ More Screening mechanisms for a three-form field around a dense source such as the Sun are investigated. Working with the dual vector, we can obtain a thin-shell where field interactions are short range. The field outside the source adopts the configuration of a dipole which is a manifestly distinct behaviour from the one obtained with a scalar field or even a previously proposed vector field model. We identify the region of parameter space where this model satisfies present solar system tests. △ Less

Submitted 2 October, 2016; originally announced October 2016.

Comments: 6 pages, 4 figures

Unveiling the Dynamics of the Universe

Authors: Pedro Avelino, Tiago Barreiro, C. Sofia Carvalho, Antonio da Silva, Francisco S. N. Lobo, Prado Martin-Moruno, Jose Pedro Mimoso, Nelson J. Nunes, Diego Rubiera-Garcia, Diego Saez-Gomez, Lara Sousa, Ismael Tereno, Arlindo Trindade

Abstract: We explore the dynamics and evolution of the Universe at early and late times, focusing on both dark energy and extended gravity models and their astrophysical and cosmological consequences. Modified theories of gravity not only provide an alternative explanation for the recent expansion history of the universe, but they also offer a paradigm fundamentally distinct from the simplest dark energy mo… ▽ More We explore the dynamics and evolution of the Universe at early and late times, focusing on both dark energy and extended gravity models and their astrophysical and cosmological consequences. Modified theories of gravity not only provide an alternative explanation for the recent expansion history of the universe, but they also offer a paradigm fundamentally distinct from the simplest dark energy models of cosmic acceleration. In this review, we perform a detailed theoretical and phenomenological analysis of different modified gravity models and investigate their consistency. We also consider the cosmological implications of well motivated physical models of the early universe with a particular emphasis on inflation and topological defects. Astrophysical and cosmological tests over a wide range of scales, from the solar system to the observable horizon, severely restrict the allowed models of the Universe. Here, we review several observational probes -- including gravitational lensing, galaxy clusters, cosmic microwave background temperature and polarization, supernova and baryon acoustic oscillations measurements -- and their relevance in constraining our cosmological description of the Universe. △ Less

Submitted 27 July, 2016; v1 submitted 11 July, 2016; originally announced July 2016.

Comments: 94 pages, 14 figures. Review paper accepted for publication in a Special Issue of Symmetry. "Symmetry: Feature Papers 2016". V2: Matches published version, now 79 pages (new format)

Journal ref: Symmetry 2016, 8(8), 70

Measuring the Chern number of Hofstadter bands with ultracold bosonic atoms

Authors: M. Aidelsburger, M. Lohse, C. Schweizer, M. Atala, J. T. Barreiro, S. Nascimbène, N. R. Cooper, I. Bloch, N. Goldman

Abstract: Sixty years ago, Karplus and Luttinger pointed out that quantum particles moving on a lattice could acquire an anomalous transverse velocity in response to a force, providing an explanation for the unusual Hall effect in ferromagnetic metals. A striking manifestation of this transverse transport was then revealed in the quantum Hall effect, where the plateaus depicted by the Hall conductivity were… ▽ More Sixty years ago, Karplus and Luttinger pointed out that quantum particles moving on a lattice could acquire an anomalous transverse velocity in response to a force, providing an explanation for the unusual Hall effect in ferromagnetic metals. A striking manifestation of this transverse transport was then revealed in the quantum Hall effect, where the plateaus depicted by the Hall conductivity were attributed to a topological invariant characterizing Bloch bands: the Chern number. Until now, topological transport associated with non-zero Chern numbers has only been revealed in electronic systems. Here we use studies of an atomic cloud's transverse deflection in response to an optical gradient to measure the Chern number of artificially generated Hofstadter bands. These topological bands are very flat and thus constitute good candidates for the realization of fractional Chern insulators. Combining these deflection measurements with the determination of the band populations, we obtain an experimental value for the Chern number of the lowest band $ν_{\mathrm{exp}} =0.99(5)$. This result, which constitutes the first Chern-number measurement in a non-electronic system, is facilitated by an all-optical artificial gauge field scheme, generating uniform flux in optical superlattices. △ Less

Submitted 24 October, 2014; v1 submitted 16 July, 2014; originally announced July 2014.

Journal ref: Nature Physics 11, 162-166 (2015), AOP 3171 (2014)

Assisted coupled quintessence

Authors: Luca Amendola, Tiago Barreiro, Nelson J. Nunes

Abstract: We study models of quintessence consisting of a number of scalar fields coupled to several dark matter components. In the case of exponential potentials the scaling solutions can be described in terms of a single field. The corresponding effective logarithmic slope and effective coupling can be written in a simple form in terms of the individual slopes and couplings of the original fields. We also… ▽ More We study models of quintessence consisting of a number of scalar fields coupled to several dark matter components. In the case of exponential potentials the scaling solutions can be described in terms of a single field. The corresponding effective logarithmic slope and effective coupling can be written in a simple form in terms of the individual slopes and couplings of the original fields. We also investigate solutions where the scalar potential is negligible, in particular those leading to transient matter dominated solutions. Finally, we compute the evolution equations for the linear perturbations which will allow these models to be tested against current and future observational data. △ Less

Submitted 8 July, 2014; originally announced July 2014.

Comments: 13 pages, 4 figures

Journal ref: Phys. Rev. D 90, 083508 (2014)

Observation of the Meissner effect with ultracold atoms in bosonic ladders

Authors: M. Atala, M. Aidelsburger, M. Lohse, J. T. Barreiro, B. Paredes, I. Bloch

Abstract: We report on the observation of the Meissner effect in bosonic flux ladders of ultracold atoms. Using artificial gauge fields induced by laser-assisted tunneling, we realize arrays of decoupled ladder systems that are exposed to a uniform magnetic field. By suddenly decoupling the ladders and projecting into isolated double wells, we are able to measure the currents on each side of the ladder. For… ▽ More We report on the observation of the Meissner effect in bosonic flux ladders of ultracold atoms. Using artificial gauge fields induced by laser-assisted tunneling, we realize arrays of decoupled ladder systems that are exposed to a uniform magnetic field. By suddenly decoupling the ladders and projecting into isolated double wells, we are able to measure the currents on each side of the ladder. For large coupling strengths along the rungs of the ladder, we find a saturated maximum chiral current corresponding to a full screening of the artificial magnetic field. For lower coupling strengths, the chiral current decreases in good agreement with expectations of a vortex lattice phase. Our work marks the first realization of a low-dimensional Meissner effect and, furthermore, it opens the path to exploring interacting particles in low dimensions exposed to a uniform magnetic field. △ Less

Submitted 4 February, 2014; originally announced February 2014.

Journal ref: Nature Physics 10, 588-593 (2014)

A quantum information processor with trapped ions

Authors: Philipp Schindler, Daniel Nigg, Thomas Monz, Julio T. Barreiro, Esteban Martinez, Shannon X. Wang, Stephan Quint, Matthias F. Brandl, Volckmar Nebendahl, Christian F. Roos, Michael Chwalla, Markus Hennrich, Rainer Blatt

Abstract: Quantum computers hold the promise to solve certain problems exponentially faster than their classical counterparts. Trapped atomic ions are among the physical systems in which building such a computing device seems viable. In this work we present a small-scale quantum information processor based on a string of $^{40}$Ca${^+}$ ions confined in a macroscopic linear Paul trap. We review our set of o… ▽ More Quantum computers hold the promise to solve certain problems exponentially faster than their classical counterparts. Trapped atomic ions are among the physical systems in which building such a computing device seems viable. In this work we present a small-scale quantum information processor based on a string of $^{40}$Ca${^+}$ ions confined in a macroscopic linear Paul trap. We review our set of operations which includes non-coherent operations allowing us to realize arbitrary Markovian processes. In order to build a larger quantum information processor it is mandatory to reduce the error rate of the available operations which is only possible if the physics of the noise processes is well understood. We identify the dominant noise sources in our system and discuss their effects on different algorithms. Finally we demonstrate how our entire set of operations can be used to facilitate the implementation of algorithms by examples of the quantum Fourier transform and the quantum order finding algorithm. △ Less

Submitted 14 August, 2013; originally announced August 2013.

Journal ref: New J. Phys. 15 (2013) 123012

Realization of the Hofstadter Hamiltonian with ultracold atoms in optical lattices

Authors: M. Aidelsburger, M. Atala, M. Lohse, J. T. Barreiro, B. Paredes, I. Bloch

Abstract: We demonstrate the experimental implementation of an optical lattice that allows for the generation of large homogeneous and tunable artificial magnetic fields with ultracold atoms. Using laser-assisted tunneling in a tilted optical potential we engineer spatially dependent complex tunneling amplitudes. Thereby atoms hopping in the lattice accumulate a phase shift equivalent to the Aharonov-Bohm p… ▽ More We demonstrate the experimental implementation of an optical lattice that allows for the generation of large homogeneous and tunable artificial magnetic fields with ultracold atoms. Using laser-assisted tunneling in a tilted optical potential we engineer spatially dependent complex tunneling amplitudes. Thereby atoms hopping in the lattice accumulate a phase shift equivalent to the Aharonov-Bohm phase of charged particles in a magnetic field. We determine the local distribution of fluxes through the observation of cyclotron orbits of the atoms on lattice plaquettes, showing that the system is described by the Hofstadter model. Furthermore, we show that for two atomic spin states with opposite magnetic moments, our system naturally realizes the time-reversal symmetric Hamiltonian underlying the quantum spin Hall effect, i.e., two different spin components experience opposite directions of the magnetic field. △ Less

Submitted 7 September, 2013; v1 submitted 1 August, 2013; originally announced August 2013.

Journal ref: Phys. Rev. Lett. 111, 185301 (2013)

Device-independent demonstration of genuine multipartite entanglement

Authors: Julio T. Barreiro, Jean-Daniel Bancal, Philipp Schindler, Daniel Nigg, Markus Hennrich, Thomas Monz, Nicolas Gisin, Rainer Blatt

Abstract: Entanglement in a quantum system can be demonstrated experimentally by performing the measurements prescribed by an appropriate entanglement witness. However, the unavoidable mismatch between the implementation of measurements in practical devices and their precise theoretical modelling generally results in the undesired possibility of false-positive entanglement detection. Such scenarios can be a… ▽ More Entanglement in a quantum system can be demonstrated experimentally by performing the measurements prescribed by an appropriate entanglement witness. However, the unavoidable mismatch between the implementation of measurements in practical devices and their precise theoretical modelling generally results in the undesired possibility of false-positive entanglement detection. Such scenarios can be avoided by using the recently developed device-independent entanglement witnesses (DIEWs) for genuine multipartite entanglement. Similarly to Bell inequalities, DIEWs only assume that consistent measurements are performed locally on each subsystem. No precise description of the measurement devices is required. Here we report an experimental test of DIEWs on up to six entangled 40Ca+ ions. We also demonstrate genuine multipartite quantum nonlocality between up to six parties with the detection loophole closed. △ Less

Submitted 11 March, 2013; originally announced March 2013.

Comments: 6 pages, 1 figure, 2 tables and appendix

Quantum simulation of open-system dynamical maps with trapped ions

Authors: P. Schindler, M. Müller, D. Nigg, J. T. Barreiro, E. A. Martinez, M. Hennrich, T. Monz, S. Diehl, P. Zoller, R. Blatt

Abstract: Dynamical maps describe general transformations of the state of a physical system, and their iteration can be interpreted as generating a discrete time evolution. Prime examples include classical nonlinear systems undergoing transitions to chaos. Quantum mechanical counterparts show intriguing phenomena such as dynamical localization on the single particle level. Here we extend the concept of dyna… ▽ More Dynamical maps describe general transformations of the state of a physical system, and their iteration can be interpreted as generating a discrete time evolution. Prime examples include classical nonlinear systems undergoing transitions to chaos. Quantum mechanical counterparts show intriguing phenomena such as dynamical localization on the single particle level. Here we extend the concept of dynamical maps to an open-system, many-particle context: We experimentally explore the stroboscopic dynamics of a complex many-body spin model by means of a universal quantum simulator using up to five ions. In particular, we generate long-range phase coherence of spin by an iteration of purely dissipative quantum maps. We also demonstrate the characteristics of competition between combined coherent and dissipative non-equilibrium evolution. This opens the door for studying many-particle non-equilibrium physics and associated dynamical phase transitions with no immediate counterpart in equilibrium condensed matter systems. An error detection and reduction toolbox that facilitates the faithful quantum simulation of larger systems is developed as a first step in this direction. △ Less

Submitted 11 December, 2012; originally announced December 2012.

Comments: 8 pages of main text containing 5 color figures, complemented by extensive and self-contained appendices

Journal ref: Nature Physics 9, 361-367 (2013)

Direct Measurement of the Zak phase in Topological Bloch Bands

Authors: Marcos Atala, Monika Aidelsburger, Julio T. Barreiro, Dmitry Abanin, Takuya Kitagawa, Eugene Demler, Immanuel Bloch

Abstract: Geometric phases that characterize the topological properties of Bloch bands play a fundamental role in the modern band theory of solids. Here we report on the direct measurement of the geometric phase acquired by cold atoms moving in one-dimensional optical lattices. Using a combination of Bloch oscillations and Ramsey interferometry, we extract the Zak phase - the Berry phase acquired during an… ▽ More Geometric phases that characterize the topological properties of Bloch bands play a fundamental role in the modern band theory of solids. Here we report on the direct measurement of the geometric phase acquired by cold atoms moving in one-dimensional optical lattices. Using a combination of Bloch oscillations and Ramsey interferometry, we extract the Zak phase - the Berry phase acquired during an adiabatic motion of a particle across the Brillouin zone - which can be viewed as an invariant characterizing the topological properties of the band. For a dimerized optical lattice, which models polyacetylene, we measure a difference of the Zak phase equal to phi_Zak=0.97(2)pi for the two possible polyacetylene phases with different dimerization. This indicates that the two dimerized phases belong to different topological classes, such that for a filled band, domain walls have fractional quantum numbers. Our work establishes a new general approach for probing the topological structure of Bloch bands in optical lattices. △ Less

Submitted 3 December, 2012; originally announced December 2012.

Journal ref: Nature Physics 9, 795-800 (2013)

Undoing a quantum measurement

Authors: Philipp Schindler, Thomas Monz, Daniel Nigg, Julio T. Barreiro, Esteban A. Martinez, Matthias F. Brandl, Michael Chwalla, Markus Hennrich, Rainer Blatt

Abstract: In general, a quantum measurement yields an undetermined answer and alters the system to be consistent with the measurement result. This process maps multiple initial states into a single state and thus cannot be reversed. This has important implications in quantum information processing, where errors can be interpreted as measurements. Therefore, it seems that it is impossible to correct errors i… ▽ More In general, a quantum measurement yields an undetermined answer and alters the system to be consistent with the measurement result. This process maps multiple initial states into a single state and thus cannot be reversed. This has important implications in quantum information processing, where errors can be interpreted as measurements. Therefore, it seems that it is impossible to correct errors in a quantum information processor, but protocols exist that are capable of eliminating them if they affect only part of the system. In this work we present the deterministic reversal of a fully projective measurement on a single particle, enabled by a quantum error-correction protocol that distributes the information over three particles. △ Less

Submitted 8 November, 2012; originally announced November 2012.

Interacting dark energy collapse with matter components separation

Authors: Morgan Le Delliou, Tiago Barreiro

Abstract: We use the spherical collapse model of structure formation to investigate the separation in the collapse of uncoupled matter (essentially baryons) and coupled dark matter in an interacting dark energy scenario. Following the usual assumption of a single radius of collapse for all species, we show that we only need to evolve the uncoupled matter sector to obtain the evolution for all matter compone… ▽ More We use the spherical collapse model of structure formation to investigate the separation in the collapse of uncoupled matter (essentially baryons) and coupled dark matter in an interacting dark energy scenario. Following the usual assumption of a single radius of collapse for all species, we show that we only need to evolve the uncoupled matter sector to obtain the evolution for all matter components. This gives us more information on the collapse with a simplified set of evolution equations compared with the usual approaches. We then apply these results to four quintessence potentials and show how we can discriminate between different quintessence models. △ Less

Submitted 1 February, 2013; v1 submitted 31 August, 2012; originally announced August 2012.

Comments: 23pp 4 figs, accepted in JCAP

Hyperentanglement-enabled Direct Characterization of Quantum Dynamics

Authors: Trent M. Graham, Julio T. Barreiro, Masoud Mohseni, Paul G. Kwiat

Abstract: We use hyperentangled photons to experimentally implement an entanglement-assisted quantum process tomography technique known as Direct Characterization of Quantum Dynamics. Specifically, hyperentanglement-assisted Bell-state analysis enabled us to characterize a variety of single-qubit quantum processes using far fewer experimental configurations than are required by Standard Quantum Process Tomo… ▽ More We use hyperentangled photons to experimentally implement an entanglement-assisted quantum process tomography technique known as Direct Characterization of Quantum Dynamics. Specifically, hyperentanglement-assisted Bell-state analysis enabled us to characterize a variety of single-qubit quantum processes using far fewer experimental configurations than are required by Standard Quantum Process Tomography (SQPT). Furthermore, we demonstrate how known errors in Bell-state measurement may be compensated for in the data analysis. Using these techniques, we have obtained single-qubit process fidelities as high as 98.2% but with one-third the number experimental configurations required for SQPT. Extensions of these techniques to multi-qubit quantum processes are discussed. △ Less

Submitted 11 May, 2012; originally announced May 2012.

Comments: This is part of a joint submission with an implementation with Ions: "Experimental characterization of quantum dynamics through many-body interactions" by Daniel Nigg, Julio T. Barreiro, Philipp Schindler, Masoud Mohseni, Thomas Monz, Michael Chwalla, Markus Hennrich and Rainer Blatt

Journal ref: Phys. Rev. Lett. 110, 060404 (2013)

Experimental characterization of quantum dynamics through many-body interactions

Authors: Daniel Nigg, Julio T. Barreiro, Philipp Schindler, Masoud Mohseni, Thomas Monz, Michael Chwalla, Markus Hennrich, Rainer Blatt

Abstract: We report on the implementation of a quantum process tomography (QPT) technique known as direct characterization of quantum dynamics (DCQD) applied on coherent and incoherent single- qubit processes in a system of trapped calcium 40 ions. Using quantum correlations with an ancilla qubit, DCQD reduces exponentially the number of experimental configurations required for standard QPT. With this techn… ▽ More We report on the implementation of a quantum process tomography (QPT) technique known as direct characterization of quantum dynamics (DCQD) applied on coherent and incoherent single- qubit processes in a system of trapped calcium 40 ions. Using quantum correlations with an ancilla qubit, DCQD reduces exponentially the number of experimental configurations required for standard QPT. With this technique, the system's relaxation times T1 and T2 were measured with a single experimental configuration. We further show the first complete characterization of single-qubit processes using a single generalized measurement realized through multi-body correlations with three ancilla qubits. △ Less

Submitted 11 May, 2012; originally announced May 2012.

Comments: (7 pages, 4 figures) This is part of a joint submission with an implementation with hyperentangled photons: "Hyperentanglement-enabled Direct Characterization of Quantum Dynamics" by T.M. Graham, J.T. Barreiro, M. Mohseni and P.G. Kwiat

Journal ref: Phys. Rev. Lett. 110, 060403 (2013) [5 pages]

Universal digital quantum simulation with trapped ions

Authors: B. P. Lanyon, C. Hempel, D. Nigg, M. Müller, R. Gerritsma, F. Zähringer, P. Schindler, J. T. Barreiro, M. Rambach, G. Kirchmair, M. Hennrich, P. Zoller, R. Blatt, C. F. Roos

Abstract: A digital quantum simulator is an envisioned quantum device that can be pro- grammed to efficiently simulate any other local system. We demonstrate and investigate the digital approach to quantum simulation in a system of trapped ions. Using sequences of up to 100 gates and 6 qubits, the full time dynamics of a range of spin systems are digitally simulated. Interactions beyond those naturally pres… ▽ More A digital quantum simulator is an envisioned quantum device that can be pro- grammed to efficiently simulate any other local system. We demonstrate and investigate the digital approach to quantum simulation in a system of trapped ions. Using sequences of up to 100 gates and 6 qubits, the full time dynamics of a range of spin systems are digitally simulated. Interactions beyond those naturally present in our simulator are accurately reproduced and quantitative bounds are provided for the overall simulation quality. Our results demon- strate the key principles of digital quantum simulation and provide evidence that the level of control required for a full-scale device is within reach. △ Less

Submitted 7 October, 2011; v1 submitted 7 September, 2011; originally announced September 2011.

Comments: 12 pages, 4 figures (main article) + 31 pages, 9 figures (supplementary online material)

Journal ref: Science 334, 57 (2011)

An Open-System Quantum Simulator with Trapped Ions

Authors: Julio T. Barreiro, Markus Müller, Philipp Schindler, Daniel Nigg, Thomas Monz, Michael Chwalla, Markus Hennrich, Christian F. Roos, Peter Zoller, Rainer Blatt

Abstract: The control of quantum systems is of fundamental scientific interest and promises powerful applications and technologies. Impressive progress has been achieved in isolating the systems from the environment and coherently controlling their dynamics, as demonstrated by the creation and manipulation of entanglement in various physical systems. However, for open quantum systems, engineering the dynami… ▽ More The control of quantum systems is of fundamental scientific interest and promises powerful applications and technologies. Impressive progress has been achieved in isolating the systems from the environment and coherently controlling their dynamics, as demonstrated by the creation and manipulation of entanglement in various physical systems. However, for open quantum systems, engineering the dynamics of many particles by a controlled coupling to an environment remains largely unexplored. Here we report the first realization of a toolbox for simulating an open quantum system with up to five qubits. Using a quantum computing architecture with trapped ions, we combine multi-qubit gates with optical pumping to implement coherent operations and dissipative processes. We illustrate this engineering by the dissipative preparation of entangled states, the simulation of coherent many-body spin interactions and the quantum non-demolition measurement of multi-qubit observables. By adding controlled dissipation to coherent operations, this work offers novel prospects for open-system quantum simulation and computation. △ Less

Submitted 6 April, 2011; originally announced April 2011.

Comments: Pre-review submission to Nature. For an updated and final version see publication. Manuscript + Supplementary Information

Journal ref: Nature 470, 486-491 (2011)

14-qubit entanglement: creation and coherence

Authors: Thomas Monz, Philipp Schindler, Julio T. Barreiro, Michael Chwalla, Daniel Nigg, William A. Coish, Maximilian Harlander, Wolfgang Haensel, Markus Hennrich, Rainer Blatt

Abstract: We report the creation of Greenberger-Horne-Zeilinger states with up to 14 qubits. By investigating the coherence of up to 8 ions over time, we observe a decay proportional to the square of the number of qubits. The observed decay agrees with a theoretical model which assumes a system affected by correlated, Gaussian phase noise. This model holds for the majority of current experimental systems de… ▽ More We report the creation of Greenberger-Horne-Zeilinger states with up to 14 qubits. By investigating the coherence of up to 8 ions over time, we observe a decay proportional to the square of the number of qubits. The observed decay agrees with a theoretical model which assumes a system affected by correlated, Gaussian phase noise. This model holds for the majority of current experimental systems developed towards quantum computation and quantum metrology. △ Less

Submitted 23 March, 2011; v1 submitted 30 September, 2010; originally announced September 2010.

Comments: 4 pages, 2 figures, 1 table

Journal ref: Phys. Rev. Lett. 106, 130506 (2011)

Remote Preparation of Single-Photon "Hybrid" Entangled and Vector-Polarization States

Authors: Julio T. Barreiro, Tzu-Chieh Wei, Paul G. Kwiat

Abstract: Quantum teleportation faces increasingly demanding requirements for transmitting large or even entangled systems. However, knowledge of the state to be transmitted eases its reconstruction, resulting in a protocol known as remote state preparation. A number of experimental demonstrations to date have been restricted to single-qubit systems. We report the remote preparation of two-qubit "hybrid" en… ▽ More Quantum teleportation faces increasingly demanding requirements for transmitting large or even entangled systems. However, knowledge of the state to be transmitted eases its reconstruction, resulting in a protocol known as remote state preparation. A number of experimental demonstrations to date have been restricted to single-qubit systems. We report the remote preparation of two-qubit "hybrid" entangled states, including a family of vector-polarization beams. Our single-photon states are encoded in the photon spin and orbital angular momentum. We reconstruct the states by spin-orbit state tomography and transverse polarization tomography. The high fidelities achieved for the vector-polarization states opens the door to optimal coupling of down-converted photons to other physical systems, such as an atom, as required for scalable quantum networks, or plasmons in photonic nanostructures. △ Less

Submitted 27 September, 2010; originally announced September 2010.

Comments: Letter: 4 pages, 1 figure. Supplementary material: 1 page

Journal ref: Phys. Rev. Lett. 105, 030407 (2010)

Beating the channel capacity limit for linear photonic superdense coding

Authors: Julio T. Barreiro, Tzu-Chieh Wei, Paul G. Kwiat

Abstract: Dense coding is arguably the protocol that launched the field of quantum communication. Today, however, more than a decade after its initial experimental realization, the channel capacity remains fundamentally limited as conceived for photons using linear elements. Bob can only send to Alice three of four potential messages owing to the impossibility of carrying out the deterministic discriminatio… ▽ More Dense coding is arguably the protocol that launched the field of quantum communication. Today, however, more than a decade after its initial experimental realization, the channel capacity remains fundamentally limited as conceived for photons using linear elements. Bob can only send to Alice three of four potential messages owing to the impossibility of carrying out the deterministic discrimination of all four Bell states with linear optics, reducing the attainable channel capacity from 2 to log_2 3 \approx 1.585 bits. However, entanglement in an extra degree of freedom enables the complete and deterministic discrimination of all Bell states. Using pairs of photons simultaneously entangled in spin and orbital angular momentum, we demonstrate the quantum advantage of the ancillary entanglement. In particular, we describe a dense-coding experiment with the largest reported channel capacity and, to our knowledge, the first to break the conventional linear-optics threshold. Our encoding is suited for quantum communication without alignment and satellite communication. △ Less

Submitted 26 September, 2010; originally announced September 2010.

Comments: Letter: 6 pages, 4 figures. Supplementary Information: 4 pages, 1 figure

Journal ref: Nature Phys. 4, 282 (2008)

Experimental multiparticle entanglement dynamics induced by decoherence

Authors: J. T. Barreiro, P. Schindler, O. Gühne, T. Monz, M. Chwalla, C. F. Roos, M. Hennrich, R. Blatt

Abstract: Multiparticle entanglement leads to richer correlations than two-particle entanglement and gives rise to striking contradictions with local realism, inequivalent classes of entanglement, and applications such as one-way or topological quantum computing. When exposed to decohering or dissipative environments, multiparticle entanglement yields subtle dynamical features and access to new classes of… ▽ More Multiparticle entanglement leads to richer correlations than two-particle entanglement and gives rise to striking contradictions with local realism, inequivalent classes of entanglement, and applications such as one-way or topological quantum computing. When exposed to decohering or dissipative environments, multiparticle entanglement yields subtle dynamical features and access to new classes of states and applications. Here, using a string of trapped ions, we experimentally characterize the dynamics of entanglement of a multiparticle state under the influence of decoherence. By embedding an entangled state of four qubits in a decohering environment (via spontaneous decay), we observe a rich dynamics crossing distinctive domains: Bell-inequality violation, entanglement superactivation, bound entanglement, and full separability. We also develop new theoretical tools for characterizing entanglement in quantum states. Our techniques to control the environment can be used to enable novel quantum-computation, state-engineering, and simulation paradigms based on dissipation and decoherence. △ Less

Submitted 11 May, 2010; originally announced May 2010.

Comments: For a simultaneously submitted related work see arXiv:1005.1258

Journal ref: Nature Physics 6, 943 (2010)

Gamma-Ray Bursts and Dark Energy - Dark Matter interaction

Authors: T. Barreiro, O. Bertolami, P. Torres

Abstract: In this work Gamma Ray Burst (GRB) data is used to place constraints on a putative coupling between dark energy and dark matter. Type Ia supernovae (SNe Ia) constraints from the Sloan Digital Sky Survey II (SDSS-II) first-year results, the cosmic microwave background radiation (CMBR) shift parameter from WMAP seven year results and the baryon acoustic oscillation (BAO) peak from the Sloan Digital… ▽ More In this work Gamma Ray Burst (GRB) data is used to place constraints on a putative coupling between dark energy and dark matter. Type Ia supernovae (SNe Ia) constraints from the Sloan Digital Sky Survey II (SDSS-II) first-year results, the cosmic microwave background radiation (CMBR) shift parameter from WMAP seven year results and the baryon acoustic oscillation (BAO) peak from the Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS) are also discussed. The prospects for the field are assessed, as more GRB events become available. △ Less

Submitted 14 December, 2010; v1 submitted 26 April, 2010; originally announced April 2010.

Comments: 7 pages, 3 figures. Version to match the one published in Mon. Not. R. Ast. Soc

Quantum Process Estimation via Generic Two-Body Correlations

Authors: M. Mohseni, A. T. Rezakhani, J. T. Barreiro, P. G. Kwiat, A. Aspuru-Guzik

Abstract: Performance of quantum process estimation is naturally limited to fundamental, random, and systematic imperfections in preparations and measurements. These imperfections may lead to considerable errors in the process reconstruction due to the fact that standard data analysis techniques presume ideal devices. Here, by utilizing generic auxiliary quantum or classical correlations, we provide a fra… ▽ More Performance of quantum process estimation is naturally limited to fundamental, random, and systematic imperfections in preparations and measurements. These imperfections may lead to considerable errors in the process reconstruction due to the fact that standard data analysis techniques presume ideal devices. Here, by utilizing generic auxiliary quantum or classical correlations, we provide a framework for estimation of quantum dynamics via a single measurement apparatus. By construction, this approach can be applied to quantum tomography schemes with calibrated faulty state generators and analyzers. Specifically, we present a generalization of "Direct Characterization of Quantum Dynamics" [M. Mohseni and D. A. Lidar, Phys. Rev. Lett. 97, 170501 (2006)] with an imperfect Bell-state analyzer. We demonstrate that, for several physically relevant noisy preparations and measurements, only classical correlations and small data processing overhead are sufficient to accomplish the full system identification. Furthermore, we provide the optimal input states for which the error amplification due to inversion on the measurement data is minimal. △ Less

Submitted 17 June, 2009; originally announced June 2009.

Comments: 7 pages, 2 figures

Journal ref: Phys. Rev. A 81, 032102 (2010)

WMAP5 constraints on the unified model of dark energy and dark matter

Authors: T. Barreiro, O. Bertolami, P. Torres

Abstract: We derive constraints on the parameter space of the unified model of dark energy and dark matter, the Generalized Chaplygin Gas (GCG), from the amplitudes and positions of the first few peaks and first trough of the cosmic microwave background radiation (CMBR) power spectrum, using the latest WMAP five year data. We derive constraints on the parameter space of the unified model of dark energy and dark matter, the Generalized Chaplygin Gas (GCG), from the amplitudes and positions of the first few peaks and first trough of the cosmic microwave background radiation (CMBR) power spectrum, using the latest WMAP five year data. △ Less

Submitted 6 May, 2008; originally announced May 2008.

Comments: 5 pages, 6 figures

Report number: DF/IST-3.2006

Journal ref: Phys.Rev.D78:043530,2008

Moduli evolution in the presence of thermal corrections

Authors: T. Barreiro, B. de Carlos, E. J. Copeland, N. J. Nunes

Abstract: We study the effect of thermal corrections on the evolution of moduli in effective Supergravity models. This is motivated by previous results in the literature suggesting that these corrections could alter and, even, erase the presence of a minimum in the zero temperature potential, something that would have disastrous consequences in these particular models. We show that, in a representative sa… ▽ More We study the effect of thermal corrections on the evolution of moduli in effective Supergravity models. This is motivated by previous results in the literature suggesting that these corrections could alter and, even, erase the presence of a minimum in the zero temperature potential, something that would have disastrous consequences in these particular models. We show that, in a representative sample of flux compactification constructions, this need not be the case, although we find that the inclusion of thermal corrections can dramatically decrease the region of initial conditions for which the moduli are stabilised. Moreover, the bounds on the reheating temperature coming from demanding that the full, finite temperature potential, has a minimum can be considerably relaxed given the slow pace at which the evolution proceeds. △ Less

Submitted 23 September, 2008; v1 submitted 14 December, 2007; originally announced December 2007.

Comments: 7 pages, 5 figures. Added content, version to appear in Phys. Rev. D

Journal ref: Phys.Rev.D78:063502,2008

Hyperentangled Bell-state analysis

Authors: Tzu-Chieh Wei, Julio T. Barreiro, Paul G. Kwiat

Abstract: It is known that it is impossible to unambiguously distinguish the four Bell states encoded in pairs of photon polarizations using only linear optics. However, hyperentanglement, the simultaneous entanglement in more than one degree of freedom, has been shown to assist the complete Bell analysis of the four Bell states (given a fixed state of the other degrees of freedom). Yet introducing other… ▽ More It is known that it is impossible to unambiguously distinguish the four Bell states encoded in pairs of photon polarizations using only linear optics. However, hyperentanglement, the simultaneous entanglement in more than one degree of freedom, has been shown to assist the complete Bell analysis of the four Bell states (given a fixed state of the other degrees of freedom). Yet introducing other degrees of freedom also enlarges the total number of Bell-like states. We investigate the limits for unambiguously distinguishing these Bell-like states. In particular, when the additional degree of freedom is qubit-like, we find that the optimal one-shot discrimination schemes are to group the 16 states into 7 distinguishable classes, and that an unambiguous discrimination is possible with two identical copies. △ Less

Submitted 21 June, 2007; v1 submitted 14 March, 2007; originally announced March 2007.

Comments: typos corrected, to appear in PRA, 5 pages, 2 figures, 2 tables

Journal ref: Phys. Rev. A 75, 060305(R) (2007)

Counterfactual computation revisited

Authors: Onur Hosten, Matthew T. Rakher, Julio T. Barreiro, Nicholas A. Peters, Paul Kwiat

Abstract: Mitchison and Jozsa recently suggested that the "chained-Zeno" counterfactual computation protocol recently proposed by Hosten et al. is counterfactual for only one output of the computer. This claim was based on the existing abstract algebraic definition of counterfactual computation, and indeed according to this definition, their argument is correct. However, a more general definition (physica… ▽ More Mitchison and Jozsa recently suggested that the "chained-Zeno" counterfactual computation protocol recently proposed by Hosten et al. is counterfactual for only one output of the computer. This claim was based on the existing abstract algebraic definition of counterfactual computation, and indeed according to this definition, their argument is correct. However, a more general definition (physically adequate) for counterfactual computation is implicitly assumed by Hosten et. al. Here we explain in detail why the protocol is counterfactual and how the "history tracking" method of the existing description inadequately represents the physics underlying the protocol. Consequently, we propose a modified definition of counterfactual computation. Finally, we comment on one of the most interesting aspects of the error-correcting protocol. △ Less

Submitted 6 August, 2006; v1 submitted 14 July, 2006; originally announced July 2006.

Comments: 12 Pages, 8 Figures, 4 Tables in total. Mitchison and Jozsa responded to our article and the current form includes a reply (5 pages) to them. The text is unchanged otherwise. We provide two abstracts: one for the original aricle, one for the updates