An atom-by-atom assembler of defect-free arbitrary two-dimensional atomic arrays.

Area of Science:

• Quantum physics
• Atomic physics
• Quantum engineering

Background:

• Individually controlled atoms in optical tweezers are crucial for quantum engineering.
• Deterministic loading of these atomic arrays remains a significant experimental hurdle.

Purpose of the Study:

• To demonstrate the preparation of fully loaded two-dimensional atomic arrays with arbitrary geometries.
• To achieve unit filling in user-defined target arrays from initially random distributions.

Main Methods:

• Utilizing a real-time control system and a movable optical tweezer.
• Implementing a sequence of rapid atom movements based on initial atom distribution.
• Starting with larger, half-filled matrices of randomly loaded traps.

Main Results:

• Successfully prepared fully loaded two-dimensional arrays of up to approximately 50 microtraps.
• Each microtrap contained a single atom, arranged in user-defined arbitrary geometries.
• Achieved unit filling from initially random, half-filled matrices.

Conclusions:

• The developed method overcomes deterministic loading challenges for neutral atom arrays.
• Enables the creation of tunable two-dimensional atomic geometries for quantum engineering.
• Opens new avenues for advanced quantum simulations and computations.