Supersolid phases with Indirect eXcitons – SIX

This research proposal aims at unveiling a new class of quantum matter states accessible to ultra-cold dipolar bosons confined in lattice potentials. In particular we target collective phases capable of spontaneously breaking the confinement symmetry, such as lattice super-solids, which combine crystalline order and extended spatial coherence. Our ambitious goal is pursued by bringing forward a first solid-state platform relying on indirect excitons obtained in bilayer semiconductors. These exhibit unique physical properties in this context. Indeed, one can tailor on-demand the excitons spatial confinement, by suitable device engineering, while excitons experience ultra-strong quasi long-range dipolar interactions which are crucial to possibly access super-solid like phases. To establish indirect excitons as a novel solid-state route to access unexplored quantum matter states, we gather two theoretical and one experimental group at the forefront of research on both super-solidity and collective quantum phenomena with excitonic systems. Thus, quantum matter phases accessible in the ultra-cold regime will be theoretically computed, and directly compared to experimental probes. Indeed, our work program is structured to ensure a maximal synergy between theory and experimental partners, as necessary given the formidable challenge tackled by the project.