A testbed for optical control of neutral atoms

Rydberg atom arrays are a promising qubit platform, offering scalability for both error-corrected quantum computation and quantum simulation of many-body systems. However, achieving the mega-qubit scale requires significant advances in optical control, including novel holographic image projection techniques, integrated switchable photonics in the visible and near-infrared spectrum, and improved qubit readout with advanced detectors. These same technical capabilities aimed toward fault-tolerant computing will also expand our toolbox for quantum simulation for many-body physics. In the Quantum Technologies Training and Testbed Lab at the University of Washington, we are developing a testbed that integrates advanced photonic devices with neutral atom arrays. Our goal is to provide a flexible platform for photonics researchers — especially those without expertise in laser cooling and trapping — to test their devices in an atom-based quantum system. Our testbed maximizes optical access, with rubidium atoms trapped in a glass cuvette and surrounded on four sides by high-NA microscope objectives. To streamline control and facilitate community-driven development, we use ARTIQ, an open-source FPGA-based electronic control system, to flexibly generate real-time microwave, analog, and digital signals. We report on the progress of the testbed's development, as well as initial efforts focused on three-dimensional trapping and local gate control using advanced holographic techniques and integrated acousto-optic devices.