Using optical tweezer arrays of Yb atoms for quantum communication and quantum simulation

Neutral atoms trapped in arrays of optical tweezers have emerged as a leading platform for quantum communication and simulation. By pairing this versatile platform with the unique atomic structure of ytterbium (Yb) atoms, our work aims to demonstrate advances in both fields. First, as part of the InterQnet project, led by Argonne National Laboratory, we plan to develop a metropolitan scale heterogeneous quantum network that harnesses different quantum communication platforms (including tweezer-trapped Yb atoms, superconducting qubits, Er³⁺ ions implanted in nanophotonic devices, and optical quantum frequency conversion). The existence of a telecom transition from the unique “clock” states of Yb atoms makes them particularly suited for long distance quantum communication. Furthermore, we can utilize the relatively well shielded nuclear states of Yb to realize very long coherence times, as needed for generating robust quantum memories. We plan to utilize the Argonne Quantum Network (ArQNET) to first demonstrate quantum entanglement between Yb atoms trapped in neighboring tweezers, and then to entangle photons from two different devices over the network. Second, our work aims to construct a quantum simulation apparatus uniquely suited to perform simulations of quark-level effective field theories for quantum chromodynamics (QCD). These theories are commonly used to explore low-energy, emergent phenomena in QCD where direct calculations are impossible. In collaboration with the theory group in Argonne’s Physics Division, we are currently developing strategies towards achieving this. In this poster, we present our progress on the construction of the Yb apparatus, including site-selective state manipulation using the ¹S₀ to ³P₀ clock transition and excitation to Rydberg states using 302 nm laser light. We finally outline the next steps towards realizing these two goals.