Rydberg Blockaded Ensemble Qubits and Atom-Photon Quantum Interfaces

量子计算机有望通过利用包括叠加态和纠缠在内的量子力学现象，革命性地提高我们解决硬数据处理问题的能力。该项目将继续实验开发基于铷原子编码的量子比特的量子信息处理器，以及由高激发原子里德伯态之间的相互作用介导的量子逻辑门。实验方法是将激光冷却的铷原子储存在光学阱中。集成量子比特使用多个原子而不是一个原子来存储量子信息，在传输量子信息方面具有优势。在这个项目中，将研究受里德伯原子相互作用影响的集成量子比特，并展示它们在单原子加载、快速量子测量和高效光原子量子界面中的应用。这项工作的广泛影响是双重的。首先，这项研究将有助于开发超越传统经典计算机能力的大规模量子处理器。这种设备的可用性将对数值数学、信息安全以及与开发新的、技术上有价值的材料相关的量子系统模拟问题产生深远的影响。第二，该研究项目将有助于培养科学和工程领域的学生和博士后研究人员。来自不同背景的人们将接受现代实验科学的教育和培训，并将具备在物理学和信息科学之间架起桥梁的能力。培训将通过课程丰富和直接参与大学的研究项目来进行。我们还将向当地社区介绍物理学对信息技术的重要性，以及量子信息科学领域的新发展。物理系的公众参观日、实验室之旅和教师对当地学校的访问将促进对公众的宣传。

Quantum computers hold the promise of transformative improvements to our ability to solve hard data processing problems by taking advantage of quantum mechanical phenomena including superposition states and entanglement. This project will continue experimental development of a quantum information processor based on qubits encoded in Rubidium atoms, and quantum logic gates that are mediated by interactions between highly excited atomic Rydberg states. The experimental approach uses laser cooled Rubidium atoms stored in optical traps. Ensemble qubits that use many atoms instead of one for storing quantum information have advantageous properties for transmitting quantum information. In this project ensemble qubits subject to Rydberg atom interactions will be studied and their use for single atom loading, fast quantum measurements, and efficient light-atom quantum interfaces will be demonstrated. The broader impacts of this work are twofold. First, this research will contribute to the development of a large scale quantum processor that exceeds the capabilities of conventional classical computers. The availability of such a device would have far reaching impact on numerical mathematics, information security, and problems in the simulation of quantum systems related to the development of new, technologically valuable materials. Second, the research program will contribute to the training of students and postdoctoral researchers for careers in science and engineering. People from diverse backgrounds will be educated and trained in modern experimental science, and will be equipped to bridge the boundary between physics and information science. Training will occur via curriculum enrichments, and through direct participation in the University based research program. We will also inform the local community about the importance of physics to information technology, and new developments in the area of quantum information science. Outreach to the public will be facilitated by public visiting days at the Physics department, laboratory tours, and faculty visits to local schools.