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Advancements in Quantum Computing Through Atom Arrays and Photonics

Quantum information technology presents a unique opportunity to accelerate computing capabilities beyond what conventional systems can achieve. This potential is crucial for addressing some of the most complex challenges in various fields, from cryptography to climate modeling. However, realizing this vision necessitates a greater number of interconnected quantum computers, an endeavor fraught with difficulties in scaling and connectivity.

Researchers at the University of Chicago’s Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering (PME) have made significant strides by integrating two vital technologies—trapped atom arrays and photonic devices. This innovative combination lays the groundwork for developing advanced systems that enhance quantum computing, simulation, and networking capabilities. By utilizing photonics, the new approach allows for the easy scaling of large quantum systems.

“We have merged two technologies that traditionally have not interacted extensively,” stated Hannes Bernien, Assistant Professor of Molecular Engineering and lead author of the newly published research in Nature Communications. “This development is not only fundamentally intriguing but also opens up numerous practical applications.”

The use of neutral atom arrays, held in place by optical tweezers—focused laser beams—is becoming increasingly prominent in the construction of quantum processors. These atom grids can perform intricate quantum calculations, potentially scaling to thousands of qubits. However, these systems face challenges, as their delicate quantum states can be disrupted by external interventions, including those from photonic devices that gather their outputs as photons.

“Integrating atom arrays with photonic devices has been complex due to the inherent differences in the technologies,” explained Shankar Menon, a graduate student at PME and co-first author of the study. “Whenever these systems encounter semiconductors or photonic chips, the interference from lasers can scatter, leading to significant disruptions in atom trapping and detection.”

The groundbreaking research by Bernien’s team introduced a novel semi-open chip architecture designed for seamless interaction between atom arrays and photonic chips, successfully mitigating previous issues. The platform allows for quantum operations to occur in a designated computation area, while selected atoms containing vital data can be transferred to another area tailored for integration with photonic devices.

“We have successfully established two distinct zones for atom movement—a computation zone away from the photonic chip and an interconnection zone in close proximity to facilitate multiple atom arrays,” detailed Noah Glachman, a PME graduate student and co-first author. “This innovative chip design minimizes the interaction impact on the computational area of the atom array.”

In this interconnection zone, qubits interact with small photonic devices that can extract photons, enabling communication with other systems via optical fibers. As a result, multiple atom arrays could be linked, forming a more extensive and powerful quantum computing framework than with isolated arrays.

Additionally, this new system shows promise for enhancing computational speed, as numerous nanophotonic cavities can simultaneously connect to a singular atom array.

“The capability to connect hundreds of these cavities to one atom array allows for concurrent transmission of quantum information,” Menon asserted. “This advancement significantly boosts the speed of information exchange across connected modules.”

While the research team has demonstrated the ability to trap and transfer atoms between regions, they are planning subsequent investigations to address further elements of the process, including the collection of photons from the nanophotonic cavities and the establishment of entanglement over extended distances.

More information: Shankar G. Menon et al., “An integrated atom array-nanophotonic chip platform with background-free imaging,” Nature Communications (2024). DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-50355-4

Citation: Combining trapped atoms and photonics for new quantum devices (2024, July 23) retrieved 23 July 2024 from Phys.org

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