Challenges
Datasets
Workspaces
Papers
Discussions
Leaderboard
Log inSign up
Challenges
Datasets
Workspaces
Papers
Discussions
Leaderboard
Blog
Job Board
Q3AS

© 2026 Aqora Quantum S.A.S.

TermsPrivacyLegal Notice

arXiv:0804.0254 · Science

Quantum State Engineering and Precision Metrology Using State-Insensitive Light Traps

Jun Ye, Harry J. Kimble, Hidetoshi Katori

Published Jun 26, 2008• 419 citations
arXivHTMLPDF

Abstract

Precision metrology and quantum measurement often demand that matter be prepared in well-defined quantum states for both internal and external degrees of freedom. Laser-cooled neutral atoms localized in a deeply confining optical potential satisfy this requirement. With an appropriate choice of wavelength and polarization for the optical trap, two electronic states of an atom can experience the same trapping potential, permitting coherent control of electronic transitions independent of the atomic center-of-mass motion. Here, we review a number of recent experiments that use this approach to investigate precision quantum metrology for optical atomic clocks and coherent control of optical interactions of single atoms and photons within the context of cavity quantum electrodynamics. We also provide a brief survey of promising prospects for future work.

DOI
10.1126/science.1148259

Related papers

Precisely engineered interactions between light and ultracold matter

Martin M. Boyd, A. D. Ludlow, Sebastian Blatt +4 more

— Modern capabilities in quantum state engineering of ultracold matter and precise control of light fields now permit accurate control of interactions between matter and field to suit applications for precision tests of fundamental physics. We report on our recent development of a highly stable and accurate optical atomic clock based on ultracold neutral Sr atoms confined in an optical lattice. We discuss precision tools for the lattice clock, including stabilized lasers with sub-Hz linewidth, femtosecond-comb based technology allowing accurate clock comparison in both microwave and optical domains, and clock transfer over optical fibers. With microkelvin Sr atoms confined in an optical lattice that provide a zero differential a.c. Stark shift between two clock states, we achieve a resonance quality factor >2×10 on the S0 − P0 doubly forbidden Sr clock transition at 698 nm. High resolution spectroscopy of spin-polarized atoms is used for both high-performance clock operations and accurate atomic structure measurement. The overall systematic uncertainty of the clock has been evaluated at the 10−16 level, while the stability approaches low 10−15 at 1 s. These developments in precise engineering of lightatom interactions can be extended to the field of ultracold molecules, bringing new prospects for precision measurements, quantum control, and determinations of the constancy of the fundamental constants.

•Jan 1, 2008•0 citations

Trapping and cooling of single ions for frequency metrology and quantum optics experiments

L. Slodička, M. (Minh Tuan) Pham, A. (Adam) Lešundák +8 more

Single trapped ions trapped in Paul traps correspond to ideal candidates for realization of extremely accurate optical atomic clocks and practical studies of the light–atom interactions and nonlinear mechanical dynamics. These systems benefit from both, the superb isolation of the ion from surrounding environment and excellent control of its external and internal\ndegrees of freedom, at the same time, which makes them exquisite platforms for experimental studies and applications of light matter interaction at its most fundamental level. The exceptional degree of control of single or few ion's state enabled in past decade number of major advancements in the applications from the fields of experimental quantum information\nprocessing and frequency metrology, including recent realization of scalable Shor's\nalgorithm, fractional uncertainties of the frequency measurements close to 10-18 level, or simulations of complex quantum many-body effects. These results, together with the rapid advancements in the production of low-noise segmented micro-traps, promise prompt access to long-desired regimes of quantum optomechanics and further development and applications\nof optical atomic clocks.

•Jan 1, 2016•0 citations

Quantum Control of Motional States of Neutral Atoms: Exploiting the External Degrees of Freedom

N. P. Bigelow, Witek Chalupczak, Renato Ejnisman +3 more

As research in quantum optics has advanced, so too has our ability to precisely tailor the quantum state of a system.Indeed, techniques for quantum state preparation have become sufficiently advanced that an entire subfield has appeared which has been given the name "quantum control".. Parallel to these advances have been other striking developments in quantum optics, in particular, laser cooling and trapping of nentral atoms.In this paper we describe some of the recent advancements in laser cooling, particularly in our laboratories, and point out that laser cooling and trapping is also realizing an important form of quantum control.In laser cooling, instead of exercising control over the internal quantum state of an atom or molecule or a laser field, we are instead controlling a complementary set of degrees of freedom: those of the external coordinates of the atom.

Acta Physica Polonica A•Jan 1, 1998•4 citations

Hybrid atomic-photonics: new paradigm for integrated quantum optics

Hadiseh Alaeian

Atoms with narrow-line resonances play a major role in high precision measurements like magnetometry and atomic clocks. Due to their long inherent coherence time, atoms can serve as quantum memories as well. Moreover, as they possess well-defined electronic levels, coherent interactions with the photon fields can be used to manipulate their quantum states very precisely. Besides, the capability of the optical excitation and read out, increase the spatial resolution of the atomic sensors. Within the last couple of decades interfacing atoms with engineered confined light fields has been a proper playground for investigating various quantum-electrodynamical effects. So far different strategies have been utilized successfully to integrate atoms with a confined light field, for example in high-finesse optical cavities, hollow core fibers, and tapered nanofibers. While cold atom setups provide ideal conditions and controllability to explore different coupling regimes, the large setups required to cool and trap the atoms have hindered their scalability for any realistic quantum networks. Thermal vapors, on the other hand, allow for less precision and control, but their low technical complexity and suitable compatibility with miniaturization and integration make them a promising candidate for realizing scalable networks.

Active Photonic Platforms (APP)•Aug 25, 2020•0 citations

Prospects for quantum metrology with trapped-ion optical clocks in space

David R. Leibrandt

Terrestrial optical atomic clocks based on laser cooled atoms confined in the Lamb-Dicke regime in optical lattice traps or ion traps are the most precise and accurate measurement devices of any kind, and can be used to look for very small deviations from the predictions of the Standard Model that would hint at new physics. In this talk, I will discuss the design trade space for robust, autonomous, low-SWaP optical clocks for space, focusing primarily on trapped-ion clocks due to their lower complexity and laser power requirements. I will discuss the potential of integrated photonics to drastically reduce SWaP and increase robustness, and highlight performance targets for future development. Furthermore, I will discuss quantum metrology algorithms that can be used to alleviate the laser system performance requirements and suppress sensitivity to environmental noise. Finally, I will conclude by discussing the new physics reach of various optical atomic clock space flight mission scenarios.

Quantum Computing, Communication, and Simulation•Mar 5, 2026•0 citations

Manipulation of nonclassical field states in a cavity by atom interferometry

S. Haroche, J. M. Raimond

Two new domains in quantum optics have emerged in recent years. Manipulation of atomic systems by electromagnetic fields has been developed in refined light cooling and trapping experiments. The atomic external degrees of freedom can now be controlled with great precision, and atoms can be cooled down to low temperatures corresponding to very large de Broglie wavelengths, making atomic interferometry practical and opening the way to many applications in fundamental Physics. 40 refs., 14 figs.

Advances in atomic, molecular, and optical physics•Dec 31, 1994•14 citations
Precision metrology and quantum measurement often demand that matter be prepared in well-defined quantum states for both internal and external degrees of freedom. Laser-cooled neutral atoms localized in a deeply confining optical potential satisfy this requirement. With an appropriate choice of wavelength and polarization for the optical trap, two electronic states of an atom can experience the same trapping potential, permitting coherent control of electronic transitions independent of the atomic center-of-mass motion. Here, we review a number of recent experiments that use this approach to investigate precision quantum metrology for optical atomic clocks and coherent control of optical interactions of single atoms and photons within the context of cavity quantum electrodynamics. We also provide a brief survey of promising prospects for future work.
— Modern capabilities in quantum state engineering of ultracold matter and precise control of light fields now permit accurate control of interactions between matter and field to suit applications for precision tests of fundamental physics. We report on our recent development of a highly stable and accurate optical atomic clock based on ultracold neutral Sr atoms confined in an optical lattice. We discuss precision tools for the lattice clock, including stabilized lasers with sub-Hz linewidth, femtosecond-comb based technology allowing accurate clock comparison in both microwave and optical domains, and clock transfer over optical fibers. With microkelvin Sr atoms confined in an optical lattice that provide a zero differential a.c. Stark shift between two clock states, we achieve a resonance quality factor >2×10 on the S0 − P0 doubly forbidden Sr clock transition at 698 nm. High resolution spectroscopy of spin-polarized atoms is used for both high-performance clock operations and accurate atomic structure measurement. The overall systematic uncertainty of the clock has been evaluated at the 10−16 level, while the stability approaches low 10−15 at 1 s. These developments in precise engineering of lightatom interactions can be extended to the field of ultracold molecules, bringing new prospects for precision measurements, quantum control, and determinations of the constancy of the fundamental constants.
Single trapped ions trapped in Paul traps correspond to ideal candidates for realization of extremely accurate optical atomic clocks and practical studies of the light–atom interactions and nonlinear mechanical dynamics. These systems benefit from both, the superb isolation of the ion from surrounding environment and excellent control of its external and internal\ndegrees of freedom, at the same time, which makes them exquisite platforms for experimental studies and applications of light matter interaction at its most fundamental level. The exceptional degree of control of single or few ion's state enabled in past decade number of major advancements in the applications from the fields of experimental quantum information\nprocessing and frequency metrology, including recent realization of scalable Shor's\nalgorithm, fractional uncertainties of the frequency measurements close to 10-18 level, or simulations of complex quantum many-body effects. These results, together with the rapid advancements in the production of low-noise segmented micro-traps, promise prompt access to long-desired regimes of quantum optomechanics and further development and applications\nof optical atomic clocks.
As research in quantum optics has advanced, so too has our ability to precisely tailor the quantum state of a system.Indeed, techniques for quantum state preparation have become sufficiently advanced that an entire subfield has appeared which has been given the name "quantum control".. Parallel to these advances have been other striking developments in quantum optics, in particular, laser cooling and trapping of nentral atoms.In this paper we describe some of the recent advancements in laser cooling, particularly in our laboratories, and point out that laser cooling and trapping is also realizing an important form of quantum control.In laser cooling, instead of exercising control over the internal quantum state of an atom or molecule or a laser field, we are instead controlling a complementary set of degrees of freedom: those of the external coordinates of the atom.
Atoms with narrow-line resonances play a major role in high precision measurements like magnetometry and atomic clocks. Due to their long inherent coherence time, atoms can serve as quantum memories as well. Moreover, as they possess well-defined electronic levels, coherent interactions with the photon fields can be used to manipulate their quantum states very precisely. Besides, the capability of the optical excitation and read out, increase the spatial resolution of the atomic sensors. Within the last couple of decades interfacing atoms with engineered confined light fields has been a proper playground for investigating various quantum-electrodynamical effects. So far different strategies have been utilized successfully to integrate atoms with a confined light field, for example in high-finesse optical cavities, hollow core fibers, and tapered nanofibers. While cold atom setups provide ideal conditions and controllability to explore different coupling regimes, the large setups required to cool and trap the atoms have hindered their scalability for any realistic quantum networks. Thermal vapors, on the other hand, allow for less precision and control, but their low technical complexity and suitable compatibility with miniaturization and integration make them a promising candidate for realizing scalable networks.
Terrestrial optical atomic clocks based on laser cooled atoms confined in the Lamb-Dicke regime in optical lattice traps or ion traps are the most precise and accurate measurement devices of any kind, and can be used to look for very small deviations from the predictions of the Standard Model that would hint at new physics. In this talk, I will discuss the design trade space for robust, autonomous, low-SWaP optical clocks for space, focusing primarily on trapped-ion clocks due to their lower complexity and laser power requirements. I will discuss the potential of integrated photonics to drastically reduce SWaP and increase robustness, and highlight performance targets for future development. Furthermore, I will discuss quantum metrology algorithms that can be used to alleviate the laser system performance requirements and suppress sensitivity to environmental noise. Finally, I will conclude by discussing the new physics reach of various optical atomic clock space flight mission scenarios.