Martin Wood Complex, Department of Physics, University of Oxford, Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3PU
Dr Adrian Menssen, MIT-Harvard Center for Ultracold Atoms
Abstract
Neutral atom arrays are a leading platform for quantum computation and simulation. Over the past decade, remarkable progress has been made in cooling and trapping an ever-increasing number of atoms. Hundreds to thousands of individual atoms are now routinely trapped in tweezer traps or optical lattices. This has enabled leaps in “analog” quantum simulation of large solid-state systems, and quantum circuits with a number of individual qubits that approach the threshold of computational quantum advantage. A formidable challenge, however, arises in our ability to not only produce large quantum systems but also to be able to exercise control over the large number of degrees of freedom that are present.
A solution to the challenge of local control of a large number of atoms is presented by harnessing recent developments in the field of integrated photonics.
In our work, we have sought to bring the disparate fields of atomic physics and integrated photonics together. We are able to produce individual integrated components containing hundreds of optical modulation channels, building an MHz spatial light modulator for quantum control. I will present an overview of our current activities at MIT in building scalable neutral atom-array quantum computers with a focus on developing advanced integrated photonics for atomic control.