Optical Lattices for Atom Based Quantum Microscopy

TL;DR

This paper introduces advanced optical lattice techniques enabling precise control and interaction of two atomic species for atom-based quantum microscopy, including stable hexagonal lattices and rapid translation mechanisms.

Contribution

It presents a novel method for constructing and controlling dual-species optical lattices with high stability and fast translation for quantum microscopy applications.

Findings

Achieved 12 nm relative translational stability between lattices

Demonstrated lattice translation within 11 microseconds

Enabled rapid lattice movement in 100 nanoseconds

Abstract

We describe new techniques in the construction of optical lattices to realize a coherent atom-based microscope, comprised of two atomic species used as target and probe atoms, each in an independently controlled optical lattice. Precise and dynamic translation of the lattices allows atoms to be brought into spatial overlap to induce atomic interactions. For this purpose, we have fabricated two highly stable, hexagonal optical lattices, with widely separted wavelengths but identical lattice constants using diffractive optics. The relative translational stability of 12nm permits controlled interactions and even entanglement operations with high fidelity. Translation of the lattices is realized through a monolithic electro-optic modulator array, capable of moving the lattice smoothly over one lattice site in 11 microseconds, or rapidly on the order of 100 nanoseconds.