Quantum simulation of the central spin model with a Rydberg atom and polar molecules in optical tweezers

Central spin models, where a single spinful particle interacts with a spin environment, find wide application in quantum information technology and can be used to describe e.g. the decoherence of a qubit over time. We propose a method of realizing an ultracold quantum simulator for the central spin model. The proposed system consists of a single Rydberg atom ("central spin") and surrounding diatomic molecules ("environment spins"), polarized by an external electric field and coupled to each other via dipole-dipole interactions. By mapping internal particle states to spin states, spin-exchanging interactions can be simulated. We demonstrate that this setup allows realizing a range of central spin models of high scientific interest. More precise control over the model can be exerted by directly manipulating the placement of environment spins. As an example, we consider a ring-shaped arrangement of environment spins, and show how the time evolution of the central spin is affected by the tilt angle of the ring.