Quantum Gates with Single Atom and Ensemble Qubits Mediated by Rydberg iInteractions

在过去的二十年里，受控量子动力学在计算问题中的应用是信息科学中最重要的发展之一。这个项目使用光学捕获的中性原子量子比特来实现量子逻辑操作。该实验方法使用存储在光学可分辨俘获位置的线性阵列中的激光冷却中性Rb原子。聚焦的光束被用来操纵原子的量子态。双原子相互作用的开启和关闭是通过激发原子到高位里德堡态来实现的，里德堡态通过偶极-偶极耦合强烈相互作用。通过这种方式，实现了单量子比特门和双量子比特门，并用于创建纠缠态。这项工作的更广泛影响是双重的。首先，这项研究有助于实现超越传统经典计算机能力的大规模量子处理器的梦想。这种设备的可用性将对数值数学、信息安全以及与开发具有技术价值的新材料有关的量子系统模拟问题产生深远影响。其次，该研究计划将有助于培养学生和博士后研究人员从事科学和工程工作。来自不同背景的人将接受现代实验科学的教育和培训，以及架起物理学和信息科学之间界限的抽象概念的教育和培训。培训将通过丰富课程和直接参与基于大学的研究计划进行。我们也会向当地社会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。将通过物理系的公众探访日、实验室参观和对当地学校的教职员工访问来促进与公众的接触。

The application of controlled quantum dynamics to computational problems has been one of the most important developments in information science in the last two decades. This project uses optically trapped neutral atom qubits for implementing quantum logic operations. The experimental approach uses laser cooled neutral Rb atoms stored in a linear array of optically resolvable trapping sites. Focused optical beams are used to manipulate the quantum states of the atoms. Two-atom interactions are turned on and off by exciting the atoms to high lying Rydberg states that interact strongly via a dipole-dipole coupling. In this way single and two-qubit gates are implemented, and used to create entangled states. The broader impacts of this work are twofold. First, this research contributes towards realizing the dream 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, as well as in abstract concepts that 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 the 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.