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Thermally robust spin correlations between two 85Rb atoms in an optical microtrap
Pimonpan Sompet1,2, Stuart S Szigeti1,3, Eyal Schwartz1
1The Dodd-Walls Centre for Photonic and Quantum Technologies, Department of Physics, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand.
Nature Communications
|April 25, 2019
Summary
Researchers assembled pairs of rubidium-85 atoms using optical tweezers to study their spin dynamics. This controlled approach revealed strong pair correlations and relaxation dynamics, offering insights into two-body quantum systems.
Area of Science:
- Atomic, Molecular, and Optical Physics
- Quantum Dynamics
- Ultracold Atoms
Background:
- Collisional properties of atoms in many-atom ensembles complicate studies.
- Bottom-up assembly of few- and many-body systems provides controlled isolation of collisional processes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the spin dynamics of a two-body system of rubidium-85 atoms in a thermal state.
- To utilize optical tweezers for controlled assembly and study of individual atom pairs.
Main Methods:
- Individual assembly of two 85Rb atoms using optical tweezers.
- Study of spin dynamics in a thermal state.
- Measurement of relative number fluctuations and spin populations.
Main Results:
- Observed strong pair correlation between magnetic sublevels on timescales exceeding one second.
- Measured relative number fluctuations 11.9 ± 0.3 dB below quantum shot noise.
- Spin populations showed relaxation dynamics consistent with theoretical predictions for 85Rb interactions.
Conclusions:
- The experimental approach provides a versatile platform for studying two-body quantum dynamics.
- Demonstrated a controlled method for isolating and studying atomic collisional processes.
- Potential route for generating thermally robust entanglement.
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