Norman F. Ramsey Prize in Atomic, Molecular and Optical Physics, and in Precision Tests of Fundamental Laws and Symmetries: Exploring new scientific frontiers with programmable quantum systems

We will discuss the recent advances involving programmable, coherent manipulation of quantum many-body systems using neutral atom arrays excited into Rydberg states, allowing the control over 200 qubits in two dimensions. These systems are used for realization of exotic quantum  phases of matter and  exploration of  their non-equilibrium dynamics. In particular, we will describe realization and probing of quantum spin liquid states - the exotic topological states of matter have thus far evaded direct experimental detection.  Recent advances involving observation of quantum speedup for solving optimization problems and the realization of novel quantum processing architecture based on dynamically reconfigurable entanglement  will be described.   Prospects for using these techniques for realization of large-scale quantum processors and quantum simulators will be discussed.