Ytterbium Atom Arrays and Nanophotonics for Quantum Science

Quantum information distribution across a network of systems is critical for a modular architecture that exploits the full potential of quantum computing, sensing, and communication. As a standalone system, neutral atoms trapped in arrays of optical tweezers are a leading platform for quantum information science. Optical tweezers provide dynamic control over atomic positions, which enables arbitrary array geometries and coherent transport of atoms. To form a network of these systems, telecom-band photons are ideal carriers of quantum information due to their long coherence times, low loss in optical fibers, and ability to be entangled with atomic states. Ytterbium-171 provides a unique internal structure suited for this application; robust qubits can be encoded in the nuclear spin of the ³P₀ metastable state, and optical transitions from this metastable state enable the creation of spin-entangled photons at telecom wavelengths. Integration of atomic arrays with on-chip nanophotonic cavities — using reconfigurable optical tweezers — offers a versatile platform for light-matter interactions. The modal and dispersive properties of nanophotonic structures can be engineered to enhance or suppress photon emission at the telecom transition wavelength. Connecting a network of atom-nanophotonic systems with entangled telecom photons will establish a robust foundation for modular quantum systems. Furthermore, these nanostructures can facilitate the exploration of collective modes in an atomic array by exciting and observing these modes through coupling to the nanostructure. We present progress toward integrating ytterbium arrays with dispersion-engineered nanophotonics and exploring collective atom-photon interactions for applications in quantum technologies.