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:0909.4777 · Reviews of Modern Physics

Quantum information with Rydberg atoms

Mark E. Saffman, Thad G Walker, Klaus Mølmer

Published Aug 18, 2010• 2,838 citations
arXivHTMLPDF

Abstract

Rydberg atoms with principal quantum number $n⪢1$ have exaggerated atomic properties including dipole-dipole interactions that scale as ${n}^{4}$ and radiative lifetimes that scale as ${n}^{3}$. It was proposed a decade ago to take advantage of these properties to implement quantum gates between neutral atom qubits. The availability of a strong long-range interaction that can be coherently turned on and off is an enabling resource for a wide range of quantum information tasks stretching far beyond the original gate proposal. Rydberg enabled capabilities include long-range two-qubit gates, collective encoding of multiqubit registers, implementation of robust light-atom quantum interfaces, and the potential for simulating quantum many-body physics. The advances of the last decade are reviewed, covering both theoretical and experimental aspects of Rydberg-mediated quantum information processing.

DOI
10.1103/revmodphys.82.2313

Related papers

Rydberg superatoms: An artificial quantum system for quantum information processing and quantum optics

Xiao‐Qiang Shao, Shi‐Lei Su, Lin Li +3 more

Dense atom ensembles with Rydberg excitations display intriguing collective effects mediated by their strong, long-range dipole–dipole interactions. These collective effects, often modeled using Rydberg superatoms, have gained significant attention across various fields due to their potential applications in quantum information processing and quantum optics. In this review article, we delve into the theoretical foundations of Rydberg interactions and explore experimental techniques for their manipulation and detection. We also discuss the latest advancements in harnessing Rydberg collective effects for quantum computation and optical quantum technologies. By synthesizing insights from theoretical studies and experimental demonstrations, we aim to provide a comprehensive overview of this rapidly evolving field and its potential impact on the future of quantum technologies.

arXiv:2404.05330•Applied Physics Reviews•Aug 23, 2024•60 citations

Neutral atom quantum computing

Jonathan D. Pritchard

Neutral atom quantum computing has evolved rapidly over the last decade, with experiments moving from investigating dipole-dipole interactions between a few Rydberg excited atoms to the creation of hardware offering thousands of atoms, reconfigurable qubit geometries and strong, long-range interactions. These advances have enabled applications to graph optimisation problems, realisation of high fidelity gate operations and first demonstrations of quantum error correction between logical qubits. In this article we provide an introduction to the neutral atom platform, providing an overview of underpinning physical concepts used for performing coherent gate operations and Rydberg atom interactions, and show how these can be combined to create a versatile platform for performing digital and analogue quantum computing, as well as programmable quantum simulation.

Contemporary Physics•Jun 8, 2026•1 citation

A concise review of Rydberg atom based quantum computation and quantum simulation*

Xiaoling Wu, Xinhui Liang, Yaoqi Tian +5 more

Quantum information processing based on Rydberg atoms emerged as a promising direction two decades ago. Recent experimental and theoretical progresses have shined exciting light on this avenue. In this concise review, we will briefly introduce the basics of Rydberg atoms and their recent applications in associated areas of neutral atom quantum computation and simulation. We shall also include related discussions on quantum optics with Rydberg atomic ensembles, which are increasingly used to explore quantum computation and quantum simulation with photons.

arXiv:2012.10614•Chinese Physics B•Dec 30, 2020•194 citations

Many-Body Physics with Rydberg Atoms: Quantum Simulation and Non-equilibrium Dynamics

Zhengyang Bai, Cheng Chen, Fan Yang +1 more

Rydberg atoms, characterized by their strong and long-range dipole-dipole interactions, provide a versatile platform for exploring intriguing collective and many-body effects. Recently, the experimental realization of these effects in dense ensembles and reconfigurable atomic arrays has attracted significant interest, particularly for applications in quantum simulations and non-equilibrium physics. This review focuses on such recent development, discussing the theoretical foundations of the interactions between Rydberg atoms and the ensuing many-body physics, while providing a critical survey of experimental techniques for their precise manipulation and observation. We further discuss recent breakthroughs in leveraging Rydberg collective effects to probe novel many-body phases and non-equilibrium dynamics of these systems. By synthesizing theoretical insights with experimental milestones, we provide a comprehensive perspective on this rapidly evolving field and its transformative potential for future quantum technologies.

quant-pharXiv:2607.11038•Jul 14, 2026•0 citations

Spectroscopy of cold rubidium Rydberg atoms for applications in quantum information

I. I. Ryabtsev, Ilya I. Beterov, Denis B. Tretyakov +2 more

Atoms in highly excited (Rydberg) states have a number of unique properties which make them attractive for applications in quantum information.These are large dipole moments, lifetimes and polarizabilities, as well as strong long-range interactions between Rydberg atoms.Experimental methods of laser cooling and precision spectroscopy enable the trapping and manipulation of single Rydberg atoms and applying them for practical implementation of quantum gates over qubits of a quantum computer based on single neutral atoms in optical traps.In this paper, we give a review of the experimental and theoretical work performed by the authors at the Rzhanov Institute of Semiconductor Physics SB RAS and Novosibirsk State University on laser and microwave spectroscopy of cold Rb Rydberg atoms in a magneto-optical trap and on their possible applications in quantum information.We also give a brief review of studies done by other groups in this area.

Uspekhi Fizicheskih Nauk•Jan 1, 2016•8 citations

Spectroscopy of cold rubidium Rydberg atoms for applications in quantum information

I. I. Ryabtsev, Ilya I. Beterov, Denis B. Tretyakov +2 more

Atoms in highly excited (Rydberg) states have a number of unique properties which make them attractive for applications in quantum information. These are large dipole moments, lifetimes and polarizabilities, as well as strong long-range interactions between Rydberg atoms. Experimental methods of laser cooling and precision spectroscopy enable the trapping and manipulation of single Rydberg atoms and applying them for practical implementation of quantum gates over qubits of a quantum computer based on single neutral atoms in optical traps. In this paper, we give a review of the experimental and theoretical work performed by the authors at the Rzhanov Institute of Semiconductor Physics SB RAS and Novosibirsk State University on laser and microwave spectroscopy of cold Rb Rydberg atoms in a magneto-optical trap and on their possible applications in quantum information. We also give a brief review of studies done by other groups in this area.

arXiv:1605.07398•Physics-Uspekhi•Feb 14, 2016•78 citations
Rydberg atoms with principal quantum number n⪢1n⪢1n⪢1 have exaggerated atomic properties including dipole-dipole interactions that scale as n4{n}^{4}n4 and radiative lifetimes that scale as n3{n}^{3}n3. It was proposed a decade ago to take advantage of these properties to implement quantum gates between neutral atom qubits. The availability of a strong long-range interaction that can be coherently turned on and off is an enabling resource for a wide range of quantum information tasks stretching far beyond the original gate proposal. Rydberg enabled capabilities include long-range two-qubit gates, collective encoding of multiqubit registers, implementation of robust light-atom quantum interfaces, and the potential for simulating quantum many-body physics. The advances of the last decade are reviewed, covering both theoretical and experimental aspects of Rydberg-mediated quantum information processing.
Dense atom ensembles with Rydberg excitations display intriguing collective effects mediated by their strong, long-range dipole–dipole interactions. These collective effects, often modeled using Rydberg superatoms, have gained significant attention across various fields due to their potential applications in quantum information processing and quantum optics. In this review article, we delve into the theoretical foundations of Rydberg interactions and explore experimental techniques for their manipulation and detection. We also discuss the latest advancements in harnessing Rydberg collective effects for quantum computation and optical quantum technologies. By synthesizing insights from theoretical studies and experimental demonstrations, we aim to provide a comprehensive overview of this rapidly evolving field and its potential impact on the future of quantum technologies.
Neutral atom quantum computing has evolved rapidly over the last decade, with experiments moving from investigating dipole-dipole interactions between a few Rydberg excited atoms to the creation of hardware offering thousands of atoms, reconfigurable qubit geometries and strong, long-range interactions. These advances have enabled applications to graph optimisation problems, realisation of high fidelity gate operations and first demonstrations of quantum error correction between logical qubits. In this article we provide an introduction to the neutral atom platform, providing an overview of underpinning physical concepts used for performing coherent gate operations and Rydberg atom interactions, and show how these can be combined to create a versatile platform for performing digital and analogue quantum computing, as well as programmable quantum simulation.
Quantum information processing based on Rydberg atoms emerged as a promising direction two decades ago. Recent experimental and theoretical progresses have shined exciting light on this avenue. In this concise review, we will briefly introduce the basics of Rydberg atoms and their recent applications in associated areas of neutral atom quantum computation and simulation. We shall also include related discussions on quantum optics with Rydberg atomic ensembles, which are increasingly used to explore quantum computation and quantum simulation with photons.
Rydberg atoms, characterized by their strong and long-range dipole-dipole interactions, provide a versatile platform for exploring intriguing collective and many-body effects. Recently, the experimental realization of these effects in dense ensembles and reconfigurable atomic arrays has attracted significant interest, particularly for applications in quantum simulations and non-equilibrium physics. This review focuses on such recent development, discussing the theoretical foundations of the interactions between Rydberg atoms and the ensuing many-body physics, while providing a critical survey of experimental techniques for their precise manipulation and observation. We further discuss recent breakthroughs in leveraging Rydberg collective effects to probe novel many-body phases and non-equilibrium dynamics of these systems. By synthesizing theoretical insights with experimental milestones, we provide a comprehensive perspective on this rapidly evolving field and its transformative potential for future quantum technologies.
Atoms in highly excited (Rydberg) states have a number of unique properties which make them attractive for applications in quantum information.These are large dipole moments, lifetimes and polarizabilities, as well as strong long-range interactions between Rydberg atoms.Experimental methods of laser cooling and precision spectroscopy enable the trapping and manipulation of single Rydberg atoms and applying them for practical implementation of quantum gates over qubits of a quantum computer based on single neutral atoms in optical traps.In this paper, we give a review of the experimental and theoretical work performed by the authors at the Rzhanov Institute of Semiconductor Physics SB RAS and Novosibirsk State University on laser and microwave spectroscopy of cold Rb Rydberg atoms in a magneto-optical trap and on their possible applications in quantum information.We also give a brief review of studies done by other groups in this area.
Atoms in highly excited (Rydberg) states have a number of unique properties which make them attractive for applications in quantum information. These are large dipole moments, lifetimes and polarizabilities, as well as strong long-range interactions between Rydberg atoms. Experimental methods of laser cooling and precision spectroscopy enable the trapping and manipulation of single Rydberg atoms and applying them for practical implementation of quantum gates over qubits of a quantum computer based on single neutral atoms in optical traps. In this paper, we give a review of the experimental and theoretical work performed by the authors at the Rzhanov Institute of Semiconductor Physics SB RAS and Novosibirsk State University on laser and microwave spectroscopy of cold Rb Rydberg atoms in a magneto-optical trap and on their possible applications in quantum information. We also give a brief review of studies done by other groups in this area.