Layered Materials as Quantum Simulators: How Far Can We Go?

Van der Waals materials have emerged as an exceptionally rich platform for studying many-body quantum phenomena. In this talk, we ask to what extent quantum simulation approaches, developed over decades e.g. in ultracold atomic systems, can be translated into solid-state settings. Specifically, we introduce optical probes as a powerful tool for preparing, detecting, and manipulating correlated electronic states in layered materials. We first demonstrate how measurements of exciton diffusion can serve as a sensitive probe of charge-ordered states in moiré bilayers. We then turn to magnetism in two-dimensional materials, reporting the first observation of quantum anomalous Hall states in twisted bilayer WSe₂, as well as interlayer spin correlations in CrSBr. We further show how this framework can be extended to higher-order spin observables, including ⟨S·S⟩ and ⟨S·(S×S)⟩, through higher-order correlations of scattered photons, offering a potential route to the unambiguous detection of chiral spin liquids. Finally, we discuss the prospect of optically engineering Hamiltonians to stabilize a broad range of magnetic and superconducting phases.

Zoom: https://dipc-org.zoom.us/j/91321183824

Youtube: https://youtube.com/live/Tf2gG7m-ccM