Prospects for using integrated atom-photon junctions for quantum information processing

Abstract

We investigate the use of integrated, microfabricated photonic-atomic junctions for quantum information processing applications. The coupling between atoms and light is enhanced by using microscopic optics without the need for cavity enhancement. Qubits that are collectively encoded in hyperfine states of small ensembles of optically trapped atoms, coupled via the Rydberg blockade mechanism, seem a particularly promising implementation. Fast and high-fidelity gate operations, efficient readout and long coherence times are all possible. Large numbers of qubits can be achieved because of the intrinsic scalability of the microfabricated optics.

Simulating quantum spin models using Rydberg-excited atomic ensembles in magnetic microtrap arrays

“…In this paper we propose the use of long-range interacting Rydberg atoms prepared in a large-spacing (several μm) lattice of magnetic microtraps [12][13][14][15][16][17][18] to simulate lattice spin models. This scheme is similar to earlier proposals to create Rydberg quantum gates in mesoscopic ensembles in the context of quantum information science [19][20][21][22]. Each spin is encoded in a collective spin state involving a single rubidium n S  or n S  Rydberg atom in an ensemble of ground-state Rb atoms prepared via Rydberg blockade [23] (figure 1).…”