Controlling Atomic Movement on the Nanoscale

Jia-Chong Zhang, Shi-Jie Yang

Abstract The movement of atoms on an optical superlattice can be controlled by applying an AC field. We manipulate the coherent destructive tunneling effects by modulating the phase and amplitude of the driving field. By moving and mixing two particles we can create various quantum entanglement states of atoms. Our method may provide an alternative route towards quantum computing and quantum information with cold atom systems.

Mikhail D. Lukin

The summary form only given. We will discuss our work towards controlling light-matter interactions that make use of sub-wavelength localization of optical fields. Our approach combines the ideas of quantum optics with those of electronics and plasmonics. It can be used to create an efficient quantum interface between individual optical emitters and individual surfaces plasmons, to develop novel kinds of nanoscale sensors and to control cold atoms in nanoscale traps.

M. G. Raizen

Jeff D. Thompson, T. G. Tiecke, Nathalie P. de Leon +6 more

Hybrid quantum devices, in which dissimilar quantum systems are combined in order to attain qualities not available with either system alone, may enable far-reaching control in quantum measurement, sensing, and information processing. A paradigmatic example is trapped ultracold atoms, which offer excellent quantum coherent properties, coupled to nanoscale solid-state systems, which allow for strong interactions. We demonstrate a deterministic interface between a single trapped rubidium atom and a nanoscale photonic crystal cavity. Precise control over the atom's position allows us to probe the cavity near-field with a resolution below the diffraction limit and to observe large atom-photon coupling. This approach may enable the realization of integrated, strongly coupled quantum nano-optical circuits.