Thermodynamics of strongly correlated gases

The understanding of the properties of strongly correlated quantum systems is one of the most challenging open problems in modern physics, since it is relevant to fields as different as condensed matter, astrophysics or nuclear physics. Using the latest techniques of manipulation of ultracold vapors, it is now possible to probe the quantum many body problem using the tools of atomic physics. In this talk, I will show that it is possible to engineer model experimental systems reproducing faithfully some of the most popular hamiltonians used in theoretical physics. I will illustrate this on the study of the thermodynamic properties of strongly correlated gases that can now be benchmarked accurately using advanced experimental and theoretical techniques.