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Frontiers in Optics

Monolithically integrated atomic vapor cell for quantum optics on a chip

Wenge Yang, Dongliang Yin, Bin Wu, Holger Schmidt, Donald B. Conkey, Evan J. Lunt, Aaron R. Hawkins

Published Jan 1, 2006• 1 citation
Publisher

Abstract

We report the first monolithically integrated rubidium vapor cell on a chip. Hollow-core ARROW waveguides are used to create cell volumes of 500 picoliters and mode areas of 30µm2–ideal for low-level nonlinear optics.
DOI
10.1364/ls.2006.ltuk4

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We review the current status of integrating optical quantum interference effects such as electromagnetically induced transparency (EIT), slow light, and highly efficient nonlinear processes on a semiconductor chip. A necessary prerequisite for combining effects such as slow light and related phenomena with the convenience of integrated optics is the development of integrated alkali vapor cells. Here, we describe the development of integrated rubidium cells based on hollow-core antiresonant reflecting optical waveguides (ARROWs). Hollow-core waveguides were fabricated on a silicon platform using conventional microfabrication and filled with rubidium vapor using different methods. Rubidium absorption through the waveguides was successfully observed which opens the way to integrated atomic and molecular on a chip. The realization of quantum coherence effects requires additional surface treatment of the waveguide walls, and the effects of the surface coating on the waveguide properties are presented.
This thesis presents the integration of atomic vapor cells with anti-resonant reflecting optical waveguides (ARROWs) fabricated on silicon chips. These potentially provide a compact platform for a number of optical applications, including the study of quantum coherence effects such as electromagnetically induced transparency and single-photon nonlinearities, as well as frequency stabilization standards. The use of hollow waveguides allows for light propagation in low index (vapor) media with compact mode areas. ARROWs make particularly attractive waveguides for this purpose because they can be interfaced with solid core waveguides, microfabricated on a planar substrate, and are effectively single mode. ARROW fabrication utilizes an acid-removed sacrificial core surrounded by alternating plasma deposited dielectric layers, which act as Fabry-Perot reflectors. To demonstrate the effectiveness of the ARROW as a vapor cell, a platform consisting of solid and hollow core waveguides integrated with rubidium vapor cells was developed. A variety of sealing techniques were tested for vapor cell integration with the ARROW chip and for compatibility with rubidium. Rubidium was used because it is of particular interest for studying quantum coherence effects. Liquefied rubidium was transferred from a bulk supply into an on-chip vapor cell in an anaerobic atmosphere glovebox. Optical absorption measurements confirmed the presence of rubidium vapor within the hollow waveguide platform. Further analysis of the measurements revealed high optical density of rubidium atoms in the hollow core. Saturated absorption spectroscopy measurements verified that the on-chip integrated vapor cell was suitable for common precision spectroscopy applications.
Atomic vapors of alkali metals are widely used to slow and stop light in tabletop experiments. In order to take advantage of the underlying quantum interference effects in future commercial devices, highly reactive alkali atoms must be incorporated into small volumes with integrated optical access. With integration in mind, we describe the development of a hollow-core waveguide technology based on the combination of vapor-filled hollow waveguides and conventional solid-core waveguides on a silicon chip. We discuss the underlying principles of the waveguide design, the development of different approaches to building on-chip vapor cells, the demonstration of linear and nonlinear rubidium spectroscopy on a chip, and the prospects for quantum interference effects such as slow light and giant Kerr nonlinearities using this approach. Ultrasmall active vapor volumes on the order of 100 picoliters with simultaneously high optical density in excess of two illustrate the potential of planar hollow-core waveguides for linear and nonlinear optical spectroscopy of atoms confined on a chip.