Acoustic Traps and Lattices for Electrons in Semiconductors

We propose and analyze a solid-state platform based on surface acoustic waves for trapping, cooling, and controlling (charged) particles, as well as the simulation of quantum many-body systems. We develop a general theoretical framework demonstrating the emergence of effective time-independent acoustic trapping potentials for particles in two-or one-dimensional structures. As our main example, we discuss in detail the generation and applications of a stationary, but movable, acoustic pseudolattice with lattice parameters that are reconfigurable in situ. We identify the relevant figures of merit, discuss potential experimental platforms for a faithful implementation of such an acoustic lattice, and provide estimates for typical system parameters. With a projected lattice spacing on the scale of 100 nm, this approach allows for relatively large energy scales in the realization of fermionic Hubbard models, with the ultimate prospect of entering the low-temperature, strong interaction regime. Experimental imperfections as well as readout schemes are discussed.