Generating many-body localization in a trapped ion quantum simulator

Levitated crystals of trapped atomic ions are a versatile platform for realizing interacting quantum spin models and studying quantum nonequilibrium phenomena. In this talk, I will discuss how programmable laser-induced disorder can be used to generate a many-body localized (MBL) state in a long-range interacting trapped ion crystal. This technique for generating MBL was also applied in concert with a time-periodic Hamiltonian to explore how MBL can help stabilize discrete time crystalline states of matter. The experiment’s single spin resolved measurements and controllable interactions allow us to characterize the MBL state’s properties in ways not accessible to other atomic or condensed matter systems.