Quantum Simulations with Dilute Gas Bose Einstein Condensates

Dilute gas Bose-Einstein condensates provide a unique opportunity to explore exotic quantum field theories in the laboratory. They can simulate the behaviour of quantum fields in extreme environments, such as around black holes, in the early universe, and at the smallest length scales. We therefore propose to explore some pivotal, yet untested, ideas in quantum field theory. For example, black holes are predicted to emit Hawking radiation, leading to their eventual evaporation: a prediction which lacks experimental verification. Hawking radiation can be simulated in Bose-Einstein condensates, however. We propose to develop the experimental and theoretical basis that will allow Bose-Einstein condensates to be used as quantum simulators.