Optical tweezer for trapping and manipulation of cold Rydberg atoms

Optical tweezer for trapping and manipulation of cold Rydberg atoms enables a broad spectrum of new research and development that was previously inaccessible: Detection of atomic clouds at the micrometer scale. Implementation of methods for preparing and detecting Rydberg atoms, enabling the realization of a Rydberg qubit within an atomic ensemble. Preparation of arrays of atomic clouds (ensembles) in multiplexed optical traps with arbitrary two-dimensional geometries. Extension of Rydberg atom preparation and detection methods from a single atomic cloud to multiple clouds. Demonstration of Rydberg blockade between two atomic ensembles and implementation of two-qubit CNOT gates. Demonstration of qutrit logic gates.

Responsible for equipment: PhD Peter Jeglič
The research equipment is a significant upgrade to the experimental system for cooling and trapping cesium atoms, which we have developed and built over the past twelve years in the Laboratory for cold atoms at the Jožef Stefan Institute. The upgrade will be fully completed by summer 2024. Team members and collaborators of the Laboratory for Cold Atoms will have priority access to the equipment. Researchers from public research institutes and universities can use it through joint projects (including informal collaborations) free of charge. We will continue training and educating interested students and early-career researchers without prior experience. For industry collaborations, we will follow the guidelines outlined in the document "Pravila za oblikovanje cen za uporabo raziskovalne opreme, obveščanje in poročanje o uporabi raziskovalne opreme" (No. 007-5/2023-1, dated May 3, 2023).