In-Person: Michigan Memorial Phoenix Project, 2301 Bonisteel Blvd, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA, PML2000
Zoom: https://umich.zoom.us/j/99940829961?jst=2

Abstract: The realization of fast and high-fidelity entanglement between separated arrays of neutral atoms would enable a host of new opportunities in quantum communication, distributed quantum sensing, and modular quantum computation. In this talk, I will describe two approaches we are pursuing to generate fast and high-fidelity remote entanglement. In the first approach, we have demonstrated a photonic interconnect based on high-fidelity entanglement of the metastable nuclear spin-1/2 qubit in ytterbium-171 and a telecom-band photon with time-bin encoding. We have realized an atom-photon Bell state fidelity of 0.95 when correcting for atomic measurement errors. As an extension of this work, I will describe a second system based on ytterbium-171 atom arrays in a near-concentric optical cavity. We anticipate the ability to generate atom-atom Bell pairs with fidelity approaching 0.99 and rate of 10^4 ebits/sec using this telecom photonic interface. In the second approach, I will introduce a novel technique for transporting large tweezer arrays over 200 mm within a single vacuum chamber via a microscope objective mounted on an air-bearing linear motion stage. I will describe our vision for modular quantum computation based on an array of atom arrays.

Bio: Prof. Covey’s research utilizes arrays of individually controlled neutral alkaline-earth atoms in optical tweezers to engineer many-body entangled states. Applications of interest include distributed quantum computing, quantum communication, and quantum-enhanced metrology with atomic array optical clocks. He received his Ph.D. in Physics from the University of Colorado-Boulder.