Two-Dimensional Programmable Tweezer Arrays of Fermions

Area of Science:

• Atomic physics
• Quantum simulation
• Condensed matter physics

Background:

• Fermionic quantum simulation requires precise control over individual atoms.
• Creating low-entropy initial states is crucial for accurate quantum simulations.
• Optical tweezers offer a versatile platform for trapping and manipulating atoms.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a method for preparing and controlling arrays of fermionic atoms.
• To demonstrate the feasibility of realizing a programmable fermionic quantum simulator.
• To create correlated quantum states for simulation purposes.

Main Methods:

• Utilizing optical tweezers to create two-component arrays of fermionic ^{6}Li atoms.
• Employing a stroboscopic technique for geometric configuration with minimal heating.
• Implementing spin- and density-resolved readout for site-specific analysis.
• Postselecting near-zero entropy initial states.

Main Results:

• Successfully prepared tens of fermionic ^{6}Li atoms in optical tweezers.
• Configured atomic arrays into various 2D geometries with negligible Floquet heating.
• Demonstrated a correlated state in a two-by-two tunnel-coupled Hubbard plaquette.
• Achieved full spin- and density-resolved readout of individual atomic sites.

Conclusions:

• The developed techniques provide essential building blocks for programmable fermionic quantum simulators.
• This work paves the way for simulating complex fermionic many-body systems.
• Precise control and readout of fermionic atoms are achievable in optical tweezer arrays.