Progress toward ponderomotive trapping and site-selective addressing for Rydberg-atom quantum information science

Rydberg atoms exhibit several unusual properties, from extended lifetimes to large geometric and collisional cross-sections to an exaggerated response to external electromagnetic (EM) fields. Such features make them a compelling experimental testbed for atomic and quantum physics research. Existing applications include studies of many-body dynamics in Rydberg quantum simulators [1-3], the formation of exotic Rydberg molecules [4-7], and Rydberg-atom-based EM field sensing [8-10]. Building on prior work, here we report on current progress in realizing magic ponderomotive optical traps and coherent site-selective addressing utilizing rubidium (Rb) Rydberg atoms. Such a system gives rise to in-trap Rydberg quantum simulation, while also providing control over motional decoherence. We will recapitulate earlier and present experimental work, highlight important milestones for future work, and outline potential applications in the emerging field of quantum information science (QIS).

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