Extreme quantum nonlinear optics with strongly coupled atoms and photons

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In recent years, there have been impressive demonstrations of light-matter interactions and elementary quantum logic operations. These coupled light-matter systems form the basis for excellent quantum information storage devices, mapping spin state variable ("stationary qubit") of an emitter to and from optical fields ("flying qubit"). We propose to integrate nanoscopic optical circuits with single atoms (Objective 1) and to manipulate strongly coupled dipolar polaritons (Objective 2) for the realizations of quantum networks and bottom-up quantum simulators. The approach of the proposed program is to utilize the strong interactions between single photons and atoms with exotic topologies set by photonic bandgap materials and the long-range dipolar coupling between ultracold Rydberg atoms, leading to the capabilities that have not existed heretofore in the classical realm.***Overall, our vision is to integrate diverse nanophotonic structures with cold atoms and to utilize the strong inter-atomic interactions between Rydberg atoms. Advanced nanofabrication capability provides the technical foundation of the proposed activities for Objective 1, while new trapping configuration for ultracold Rydberg atoms form the basis for the research activities for Objective 2. The full "quantum" functionality for otherwise linear circuits is achieved by atomic matter qubits, with the information encoded into (a) internal hyperfine spin states of single atoms and (b) collective states of atomic ensembles. In concert with optical photons, qubit type (a) will serve as elementary quantum logic units, while qubit type (b) will provide quantum memory. The inter-conversion between atomic and photonic excitation will be accomplished by the strong radiative coupling of single atoms into photonic crystals and by the collective enhanced emission with atomic ensembles, with the quantum wiring between stationary qubits enabled by transporting quantum states of single photons.***The anticipated outcomes of the proposal include the following:***(1) The realization of functional quantum circuits with single neutral atoms wired together by photons over integrated optical networks.***(2) A new paradigm for emulating quantum magnetism with atom-atom (photon-photon) interactions tailored by vacuum fluctuations of photonic crystal waveguides.***(3) Quantum-reservoir engineering with ultracold Rydberg lattice gases.***(4) The implementation of optical quantum gates and functional quantum memories with Rydberg polaritons.***These experiments will be carried out by undergraduate, graduate, and post-doctoral researchers. This application requests funding for their salary, equipment, travel, and costs associated with publications. Canada will directly benefit by training these individuals and by enabling new technological and scientific frontiers of quantum information science.**