Quantum simulators by design - many-body physics in reconfigurable arrays of tunnel-coupled traps

We present a novel platform for the bottom-up construction of itinerant many-body systems: ultracold atoms transferred from a Bose-Einstein condensate into freely configurable arrays of micro-lens generated focused-beam dipole traps. This complements traditional optical lattices and gives a new quality to the field of two-dimensional quantum simulators. The ultimate control of topology, well depth, atom number, and interaction strength is matched by sufficient tunneling. We characterize the required light fields, derive the Bose-Hubbard parameters for several alkali species, investigate the loading procedures and heating mechanisms. To demonstrate the potential of this approach, we analyze coupled annular Josephson contacts exhibiting many-body resonances.