Cavity Lab
Cavity quantum electrodynamics with atomic tweezer arrays
The interaction of a single two-level atom with a quantized light field is the textbook example of quantum electrodynamics. With our experiment, we aim to extend this canonical setting to many atoms. ​​​​​
Our approach is based on an array of neutral atoms trapped in optical tweezers and coupled to a high-finesse Fabry-Pérot Fiber Cavity. The cavity provides a strong atom-light coupling (C=80) and we can engineer non-local interactions between the atoms mediated by the coupling to the cavity mode. ​​​​​​​​​
Image of twelve single atoms trapped in our tweezer array
Microscopic addressing of the atoms allows us to tune the coupling strength of each atom individually, allowing us to engineer programmable connectivity between the atoms.​
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The state of each atom can be prepared, evolved, and read out with high fidelity. This provides us with a flexible and versatile quantum processor for quantum simulation, computation, and communication experiments.
Illustration of the microscopic addressing enabling programmable, non-local interactions.
The cavity mirrors consist of machined optical fiber facets as substrates with small diameters and large curvature, necessary to simultaneously reach strong coupling and microscopic access within the atomic array.
The vacuum system is designed in a modular way, and optimized to achieve fast cycle times. A section with a 2D magneto-optical trap (MOT) provides an atomic beam that is directed into the ultra-high vacuum section with a 3D-MOT. We use an acousto-optic deflector (AOD) to transfer the atoms from the 3D-MOT region into the optical cavity and load the tweezer array that is aligned with the cavity mode.
Image of the Fabry-Pérot Fiber cavity inside the vacuum chamber
CAD design of the 2D-MOT chamber (left) and the science chamber (right).
Excerpt from our experimental setup. The vacuum system can be rolled out of the surrounding optics allowing for easy access. This allows us to change our cavity with minimal downtime of around two weeks.