Efficient light-matter interfaces for Rydberg arrays and entanglement in topological quantum networks
Abstract
We propose to develop efficient light-matter interfaces and implement quantum networks using large-scale Rydberg atom arrays. The topology of the network will be defined by an array of microscopic dipole traps each containing a small ensemble of ultracold atoms. These ensembles are used to locally store and guide optical photons using electromagnetically induced transparency (EIT). By involving a Rydberg state with high principal quantum number, the stored excitations can be made to strongly interact with one another. Each individual ensemble will be smaller than the Rydberg blockade radius for the chosen transition. This ensures that each ensemble by itself acts as a ÔsuperatomÕ or collective qubit that can store exactly one Rydberg excitation, while maintaining a large coupling to a single photon. The state of the qubit can be read out either through superradiant conversion of the collective Rydberg excitation into a photon followed by photon detection, or by transferring the Rydberg state to another hyperfine state, and performing state-dependent atom detection. Using this new platform, we propose to study the propagation of interacting photons on a lattice, and many-body entanglement and entanglement propagation in topological quantum networks. By inducing hopping of Rydberg excitations between lattice-sites with a tunable tunneling phase, we will realize lattice gauge theories in interesting topologies, and study the emergence and properties of edge states. With appropriately initialized arrays of collective qubits in combination with high-fidelity readout of the qubit, we will also explore if this system can be used to provide exact or approximate solutions to complex optimization problems.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2019
- Source ID
- W911NF1910517
Entities
People
- Vladan Vuletić
Organizations
- Army Contracting Command
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology
- United States Army