Bloch develops ultracold-atom quantum simulators, using optical lattices and microscopic imaging to prepare and observe many-body states that are difficult to understand classically.
Quantum Many-Body Systems Division, MPQarXiv / NaturearXiv / NatureBloch’s work makes abstract models of interacting matter experimentally accessible. A landmark optical-lattice experiment observed a controlled transition between a superfluid and a Mott insulator. Later, single-atom imaging exposed the structure and defects of a lattice gas one site at a time. Together, these contributions supplied both a controllable system and a way to read it out. They underpin the use of ultracold atoms as quantum simulators, where the goal is to study a chosen physical model rather than to execute every possible digital quantum algorithm.
Quantum Many-Body Systems Division, MPQarXiv / NaturearXiv / NatureThe work behind the recognition
Work, in context- 2002
Observing the superfluid–Mott-insulator transition
With Markus Greiner, Olaf Mandel, Tilman Esslinger and Theodor Hänsch, Bloch observed a reversible transition in ultracold atoms held in an optical lattice. Adjusting the lattice changed the balance between motion and interaction, creating a controlled realization of a central many-body model.
Coauthored experiment by Markus Greiner, Olaf Mandel, Tilman Esslinger, Theodor Hänsch and Immanuel Bloch.
Source-supported recordarXiv / Nature - 2010
Seeing individual atoms in a lattice
Bloch coauthored single-atom and single-site fluorescence imaging of an atomic Mott insulator. The experiment resolved individual excitations and spatial structure, providing a direct measurement capability for studying and manipulating strongly interacting atomic systems.
Immanuel Bloch was a coauthor of the collaborative single-atom imaging experiment, with Jacob F. Sherson as first author.
Source-supported recordarXiv / Nature
Keep in perspective
The 2002 paper has a 2025 arXiv deposit date; the timeline follows the journal publication, not the repository upload.
The evidence map
Both views link each contribution to its sources. Choose a contribution on the map or read them all in the list.
Observing the superfluid–Mott-insulator transition
Quantum phase transition from a superfluid to a Mott insulator in a gas of ultracold atoms
Supports: Original Nature 415, 39–44 (2002) paper deposited by Bloch in 2025; authorship and observed phase transition.
Published 26 Jun 2025 · Checked 19 Sept 2026Credit & limits: Coauthored experiment by Markus Greiner, Olaf Mandel, Tilman Esslinger, Theodor Hänsch and Immanuel Bloch.
Read the full contribution| Contribution | Evidence & what it supports | Credit & limits |
|---|---|---|
| Observing the superfluid–Mott-insulator transition2002 | Primary paperQuantum phase transition from a superfluid to a Mott insulator in a gas of ultracold atoms Original Nature 415, 39–44 (2002) paper deposited by Bloch in 2025; authorship and observed phase transition. Published 26 Jun 2025 · Checked 19 Sept 2026 | Coauthored experiment by Markus Greiner, Olaf Mandel, Tilman Esslinger, Theodor Hänsch and Immanuel Bloch. |
| Seeing individual atoms in a lattice2010 | Primary paperSingle-Atom Resolved Fluorescence Imaging of an Atomic Mott Insulator Bloch coauthorship; single-site and single-atom imaging; Nature 467, 68 (2010). Published 18 Jun 2010 · Checked 19 Sept 2026 | Immanuel Bloch was a coauthor of the collaborative single-atom imaging experiment, with Jacob F. Sherson as first author. |
Follow the evidence
3 sourcesPrimary papers, institutional records and attributed announcements. Each source supports the claims linked above.
- Quantum Many-Body Systems Division, MPQInstitutional record
Immanuel Bloch
Division leadership at MPQ and experimental-physics professorship at LMU; opened successfully during review.
Checked 19 Sept 2026 - arXiv / NaturePrimary paper
Quantum phase transition from a superfluid to a Mott insulator in a gas of ultracold atoms
Original Nature 415, 39–44 (2002) paper deposited by Bloch in 2025; authorship and observed phase transition.
Published 26 Jun 2025 · Checked 19 Sept 2026 - arXiv / NaturePrimary paper
Single-Atom Resolved Fluorescence Imaging of an Atomic Mott Insulator
Bloch coauthorship; single-site and single-atom imaging; Nature 467, 68 (2010).
Published 18 Jun 2010 · Checked 19 Sept 2026