Priv.-Doz. Dr. Salvatore R. Manmana
 
Research Interests:
(UNDER CONSTRUCTION!)
My research treats recent topics in theoretical condensed matter physics, more specifically in quantum many body systems. These strongly correlated quantum systems are investigated at equilibrium (e.g., exotic properties at very low temperatures) and out-of-equilibrium (e.g., relaxation behavior after excitation by light). They belong to the most challenging tasks in theoretical physics, and their treatment is very involved. In my group, the challenge is faced by developing and applying sophisticated numerical methods, like the density matrix renormalization group (DMRG), and related Matrix Product State (MPS) techniques. These belong to the broader class of tensor network approaches and are based on quantum information theory. This allows for the exploration of novel quantum states of matter and of their quantum information properties like the quantum mechanical entanglement and its growth in the course of time, and also the behavior following excitations, e.g., by a quantum quench. The motivation for my research is two-fold: on the one hand, I am fascinated by fundamental properties of quantum systems, and on the other hand, the realization of new or unconventional states of matter caused by interactions between the particles is an intriguing direction of research. In particular in nonequilibrium situations, both types of questions can be addressed: the possibility arises to create interesting metastable states, which cannot be realized otherwise, but also basic aspects of quantum and statistical physics are directly addressed, like the relaxation behavior and the subsequent emergence of quasistationary states. This is an important question motivating a lot of research in these days investigating thermalization and, so to speak, its counterpart, many-body localization, in quantum many-body systems. As reflected by my list of publications, these research directions are addressed from the two possible sides: I pursue purely theoretical studies considering basic aspects by deriving and treating model systems, and I also pursue investigations directly relating to ongoing experiments with ultracold atomic and molecular gases as well as in the context of novel materials (e.g. quantum magnets) in direct collaboration with experimental groups.