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Projection of Diffracted Optical Atom Traps

Jeremy Kruger

Published Jan 1, 2011• 0 citations
OpenAlex

Abstract

Theoretical calculations were performed for the projection of a diffraction pattern created by a pinhole through a single-lens system using vector diffraction theory and a combination of programs (MathCAD, Igor, etc.). The projected diffraction patterns were then experimentally created, recorded, and analyzed. This work is part of a larger collaboration with Dr. Kat Gillen, to trap and manipulate atoms in a Magneto Optical Trap (MOT) and to make further steps in the direction of Quantum Computing using trapped neutral atoms.

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Theoretical calculations were performed for the projection of a diffraction pattern created by a pinhole through a single-lens system using vector diffraction theory and a combination of programs (MathCAD, Igor, etc.). The projected diffraction patterns were then experimentally created, recorded, and analyzed. This work is part of a larger collaboration with Dr. Kat Gillen, to trap and manipulate atoms in a Magneto Optical Trap (MOT) and to make further steps in the direction of Quantum Computing using trapped neutral atoms.
Quantum computers are devices that are able to perform calculations not achievable for classical computers. Although there are many methods for creating a quantum computer, using neutral atoms offers the advantage of being stable when compared to other methods. The purpose of this investigation is to explore possible optical dipole trap configurations that would be useful for implementing a quantum computer with neutral atoms. Specifically, we computationally investigate arrays of pinholes, the diffraction pattern generated by them, and the onset of the Talbot effect in these traps. We manipulate the radius of the pinholes, the number of pinholes in the array, and the distance between adjacent pinholes in order to create trap configurations where the presence/absence of the Talbot effect contributes to the usefulness of the trap for quantum computing. We find configurations with pinhole distances of 80 μm and 100/110 μm respectively satisfied an absence and a strong presence of the Talbot effect.
Quantum computing exploits the laws of quantum mechanics to exponentially increase computing rate for certain processes. A realized quantum computer could break encryptions and simulate large quantum systems previously unbreakable and unattainable with classical computers. Neutral atom quantum computing is a viable candidate for building these devices that satisfies four of the five criteria for a successful quantum computer. We are exploring a novel method in creating neutral atom qubits that involves a magneto-optical trap and a dipole trap created in the diffraction pattern behind an array of pinholes. The magneto-optical trap works to cool the atoms and centralize them into a cold-atom cloud in an ultra-high vacuum chamber. Laser light is then projected into the chamber through the array of pinholes, trapping the cooled atoms in light traps. In order to test the efficiency of our trapping method, I have developed an imaging system that monitors the atoms. The system is comprised of a high-speed camera that takes images of the trap while a photodiode measures the fluorescence signal from the cold-atom cloud. These measurements are used to determine the number of atoms successfully trapped, how long they remain trapped, and the trap frequency. This paper presents the details and process of developing the complete imaging system.
Neutral atom quantum computing is a promising avenue toward the realization of a physical quantum computer. The diffraction pattern formed by laser light immediately behind a circular aperture can be used as optical atomic dipole traps, and has the potential to be scaled up to create a two dimensional array of individually addressable qubit sites. In working towards experimental demonstration of the dipole traps, we are constructing a MOT. The function of the MOT is to cool and trap 87Rb in a localized cloud in our vacuum chamber, which will be used to load the dipole traps. One critical aspect to the functioning of the MOT is the precise tuning of the trapping laser to the red of the F=2→F’=3 hyperfine transition and the pump laser to the F=1→F’=2 hyperfine transition. We have successfully constructed a saturated absorption apparatus which works to distinguish the hyperfine structure of Rb within the Doppler broadened transition peaks. The saturated absorption scans serve to correlate the voltage applied to the piezo with the laser light frequencies causing hyperfine transitions in Rb, allowing for the precise tuning of the lasers needed to trap atoms.
The long range goal of this project was the creation of nanostructures using light fields to manipulate atoms. By passing an atomic beam through one or more standing wave light fields, it is possible to create modulations in the atomic density having periods which are a fraction of the period of the standing wave light fields. Patterns having periods as small as lambda/10 were observed using optical masks and clear evidence for matter-wave effects were established. Several theoretical methods for achieving sub-lambda matter wave patterns were developed, Moreover it was shown that it is possible to create optical lattices having reduced periodicity using Raman transitions in a novel atom-field geometry Experiments were carried out in both magneto-optical traps and atomic beams. In both experimental set-ups, pulsed standing wave optical fields were used to excite the atoms. At some later time the atoms were probed by a traveling wave field, revealing the spatial patterns that had evolved as a result of the atom-field interaction.