Abstract

Understanding the properties of many-particle quantum systems is crucial in explaining multiple phenomena ranging from superconductivity and magnetism to the behaviour of neutron stars and the early universe. Ultracold atoms offer the possibility to explore many-body quantum systems in a highly controllable environment in which key system parameters, such as geometry and the strength of inter-particle interactions can be tuned using readily available external fields. In this talk, I will describe several of our recent experiments on ultracold bosons. In doing so I hope illustrate some of the many-body problems that can be addressed with ultracold atom experiments and the growing toolbox available for such experiments. For example, I will explain our measurements of the Tc shift of Bose gas which provided the first experimental input on a topic that had been theoretically debated for decades. I will also describe our recent experimental advances that have allowed the first studies of ultracold atoms trapped in a 3D homogeneous box-like potential. Finally, I will outline some of the outstanding many-body problems that particularly interest me and describe how I plan to tackle them using the ever developing experimental toolbox available in the field of ultracold atoms.