Abstract

State-of-the-art quantum simulators are artificial systems providing a versatile platform for exploring exotic quantum phenomena ranging from condensed matter to high energy physics. Systems such ultracold quantum gases provide high degree of control, flexibility and scalability in studying various phenomena such as topologically protected states of matter that have been attracting tremendous attention in recent years. Topological phases profit from connections with mathematical principles to characterize illustrious physical behaviours in tangible physical settings where ultracold atoms even provide the opportunity for observing the ‘knots’ wave functions tie during their evolution. In this talk I will give an introduction to quantum simulations and try to draw a general picture of the concepts and capabilities in example settings. Introducing topology in condensed matter physics, I will further elucidate some out-of-equilibrium topological phenomena and the role of quantum simulations in probing them.