Research

In our research we study entangled many-body states in systems of individually controlled atoms. We achieve this control by leveraging methods from quantum optics and atomic physics. This approach allows us to realize scalable quantum systems with applications in quantum simulation, quantum computation, and quantum information processing.

Quantum computers and simulators have the potential to solve a wide range of problems more efficiently than classical computers. Cold atoms present a leading platform in this context, unparalleled in size and scalability.

The preparation, control and readout of individual atoms was made possible with the advent of quantum gas microscopy, where high-resolution imaging techniques allow us to trap and address arrays of atoms on the single particle level. We aim at combining those techniques with the coherent light field of an optical cavity. This offers exciting prospects for probing many-body systems with tools and protocols from few-mode quantum optics.

Our approach is based on an array of neutral atoms in individual optical traps. All atoms are strongly coupled to the field of a high-finesse optical cavity. Microscopic addressing of the atoms allows us to control the coupling strength of each atom individually. The cavity mirrors consist of machined optical fiber facets as substrates with small diameters and large curvature, necessary to simultaneously reach strong coupling and microscopic access within the atomic array.

The vacuum system is designed in a modular way, and optimized to achieve fast cycle times. A section with a 2D magneto-optical trap (MOT) provides an atomic beam that is directed into the ultra-high vacuum section with a 3D-MOT, from which we directly load atoms into an array of optical tweezers. We use an acousto-optic deflector (AOD) to transfer the tweezers from the 3DMOT region into the optical cavity.