Versatile neutral atoms emerge as an intriguing quantum computing platform

J. D. Pritchard

Neutral atom arrays have emerged as versatile platforms for performing both digital and analogue quantum computing and simulation, with demonstrations ranging from large-scale programmable Hamiltonians realising topological phases or weighted graph optimisation to error-corrected logical qubits with transverse gate operations. This paper provides a broad overview to the neutral atom platform, and the potential applications relevant to materials science and quantum chemistry.

Hannah J. Williams

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.

Anonymous

Tommaso Macrì

Abstract Neutral-atom quantum computers are an emerging platform for scalable quantum computation. This review outlines the fundamental principles, current technologies, and potential future directions of neutral-atom quantum computing. It also highlights key trends and challenges in the field, offering recommendations to strengthen the global quantum ecosystem.