Atom-by-atom assembly of defect-free one-dimensional cold atom arrays

Area of Science:

• Quantum physics and physical science.
• Development of controllable quantum systems.

Background:

• Large-scale, fully controllable quantum systems are a key frontier in physical science.
• Existing methods face challenges in deterministic preparation of atomic arrays.

Purpose of the Study:

• To implement a platform for deterministic preparation of regular one-dimensional arrays of individually controlled cold atoms.
• To overcome entropy limitations in probabilistic trap occupation.

Main Methods:

• Utilizing atom-by-atom assembly with 100 optical tweezers for precise arrangement.
• Implementing a measurement and feedback procedure for real-time control.
• Employing a reservoir to replace lost atoms and maintain array integrity.

Main Results:

• Achieved defect-free arrays of over 50 cold atoms.
• Demonstrated preparation in under 400 milliseconds.
• Established a deterministic, bottom-up approach for atomic array construction.

Conclusions:

• The developed platform enables controlled engineering of scalable many-body systems.
• This technique is promising for applications in quantum information processing, quantum simulations, and precision measurements.
• Advances the realization of controllable quantum systems.