Quantum dynamics with trapped ions

Abstract

Trapped atomic ions are one of the leading platforms for quantum simulations. Recently, they have also established themselves as a testbed for classical statistical mechanics and mesoscopic systems. The challenges in this field are twofold at the moment. In the endeavor to simulate systems which are beyond the simulation capabilities of currently available conventional computers, trapped-ion experiments have constantly become more complex. The precise interrogation of the dynamics of the ever more complex experiments remains a challenge. It is therefore desirable to develop new schemes for the study of the dynamics of crystals of trapped ions which can be realized with state-of-the-art technology. On the other hand, there is a demand for simulation protocols that can be implemented in current experiments and, at the same time, are able to simulate physics which cannot be simulated efficiently on conventional computers. In this thesis we address both of these issues.