Quantum Network of Atom Clocks: A Possible Implementation with Neutral Atoms.

Area of Science:

• Quantum Information Science
• Atomic Physics
• Quantum Computing

Background:

• Optical atomic clocks offer high precision for fundamental physics tests and metrology.
• Entanglement is crucial for advanced quantum technologies, including quantum networks and distributed quantum computing.
• Neutral atom platforms provide scalability and long coherence times for quantum applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose a protocol for generating a Greenberger-Horne-Zeilinger (GHZ)-type entangled state of neutral atoms.
• To enable the creation of a quantum clock network using spatially separated optical atomic clocks.
• To demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed scheme using neutral Ytterbium (Yb) ensembles.

Main Methods:

• Utilizing strong dipole-dipole interactions between Rydberg excitations for fast, reliable local quantum operations.
• Employing single-photon quantum channels to mediate entanglement between distant atomic ensembles.
• Leveraging collectively enhanced light-matter couplings for efficient entanglement generation.

Main Results:

• A protocol for creating a fully entangled GHZ-type state in neutral atom ensembles is proposed.
• The scheme facilitates the construction of a quantum clock network based on neutral atom optical clocks.
• A specific analysis of the protocol's realization with neutral Yb ensembles is provided.

Conclusions:

• The proposed protocol offers a viable method for generating multi-atom entanglement in separated optical clocks.
• This work lays the foundation for building distributed quantum systems and enhanced metrology networks.
• The use of Rydberg interactions and photonic interconnects demonstrates a promising approach for scalable quantum networking.