Atomic quantum technologies: from foundations to applications

原子量子技术：从基础到应用

• 批准号: RGPIN-2021-02884
• 负责人: LeBlanc, Lindsay
• 金额: $ 2.48万
• 依托单位: University of Alberta
• 依托单位国家: 加拿大
• 项目类别: Discovery Grants Program - Individual
• 财政年份: 2022
• 资助国家: 加拿大
• 起止时间: 2022-01-01 至 2023-12-31
• 项目状态: 已结题
• 来源: https://www.nserc-crsng.gc.ca/ase-oro/Details-Detailles_eng.asp?id=762517
• 关键词: Atomic; quantum; technologies; foundations; applications

As it was during the development of quantum mechanics in the early twentieth century, understanding the structure and behaviour of atoms remains a key tool in today's "second quantum revolution." Atoms are some of the most perfect quantum objects, and provide both a test-bed and a technological opportunity for a suite of quantum technologies will lead society into a future with secure communications, ultra-precise sensing and measurement tools, and a deeper understanding of the physical world. In this research programme, the overarching objective is to harness the inherent "quantumness" of atoms to develop and study quantum systems. These atoms -- cold, ultracold, and even warm -- will be used as the medium in which quantum optical signals are stored and manipulated for quantum memories and quantum transducers; these atoms will be condensed as BECs and used to study the properties of many-body quantum systems with unique topological properties; and these atoms will serve as the medium through which electromagnetic fields will interact for novel measurement and manipulation tools in quantum metrology and quantum sensing. Though the motivations behind the objectives in this research programme vary, all are linked together by a common tool: atomic matter is exquisitely well controlled through the light-matter interaction, inclusive of the quantum mechanical phase, which can be imprinted or read out as light interacts with atoms. The objectives of this research program include i) developing and characterising an atomic quantum memory based on the "ATS protocol" (first developed in our lab), including making it more and more practical through the addition of capabilities for higher bandwidth, longer storage times, and multimode capacity; ii) developing tools and techniques for implementing non-trivial topological operations in an ultracold quantum gas (Bose-Einstein condensate), including studies of how quantumness can be preserved in the face of decoherence induced by interactions within the system and with the environment; and iii) developing technologies that take atomic quantum technologies out of the lab and into real-world applications, especially for systems where atom-microwave interactions are important. This (iii) objective includes near-term technologies using room-temperature vapours and longer-term possibilities in a hybrid quantum system that integrates cold atom technologies with cryogenic technologies. Through working at the cutting edge of quantum technologies in this research program, the HQP who do this work will develop the language, skills, and experience necessary to participate in a burgeoning quantum economy, with both industrial and and academic career options for all. With their expertise and the results of this programme, they will help commercialize new technologies, develop new ideas, and deepen our understanding of the quantum world, all as part of growing Canada's leading role in the worldwide quantum community.

正如20世纪早期量子力学发展期间一样，理解原子的结构和行为仍然是今天“第二次量子革命”的关键工具。原子是一些最完美的量子物体，它为一套量子技术提供了一个测试平台和技术机会，这些技术将引领社会进入一个拥有安全通信、超精密传感和测量工具以及对物理世界更深入理解的未来。在这个研究项目中，首要目标是利用原子固有的“量子性”来发展和研究量子系统。这些原子——冷的、超冷的，甚至是热的——将被用作量子光信号存储和操纵的介质，用于量子存储器和量子换能器；这些原子将被凝聚成bec，用于研究具有独特拓扑性质的多体量子系统的性质；这些原子将作为电磁场相互作用的介质，用于量子计量和量子传感中的新型测量和操作工具。虽然这个研究项目的目标背后的动机各不相同，但它们都被一个共同的工具联系在一起：原子物质通过光与物质的相互作用被精确地控制，包括量子力学相，当光与原子相互作用时，量子力学相可以被印记或读出。该研究计划的目标包括：i)基于“ATS协议”（首先在我们的实验室开发）开发和表征原子量子存储器，包括通过增加更高带宽、更长的存储时间和多模容量的能力使其越来越实用；ii)开发在超冷量子气体（玻色-爱因斯坦凝聚）中实现非平凡拓扑操作的工具和技术，包括研究如何在系统内部和与环境相互作用引起的退相干中保持量子；iii)开发将原子量子技术带出实验室并应用于现实世界的技术，特别是对于原子-微波相互作用很重要的系统。这一目标包括使用室温蒸汽的近期技术和将冷原子技术与低温技术相结合的混合量子系统的长期可能性。通过在这个研究项目中从事量子技术的前沿工作，从事这项工作的HQP将培养参与蓬勃发展的量子经济所需的语言、技能和经验，为所有人提供工业和学术职业选择。凭借他们的专业知识和该计划的成果，他们将帮助将新技术商业化，开发新想法，加深我们对量子世界的理解，所有这些都是加拿大在全球量子社区中不断发展的领导作用的一部分。