Possibility of "magic" trapping of three-level system for Rydberg blockade implementation

TL;DR

This paper explores the theoretical possibility of using "magic" optical traps to eliminate Stark-induced decoherence in three-level Rydberg systems, with potential advantages for quantum computing, especially in group IIIB metals like aluminum.

Contribution

It demonstrates the feasibility of "magic" trapping for a three-level Rydberg system, identifying suitable atomic candidates and analyzing the required magnetic fields.

Findings

"Magic" trapping can theoretically remove Stark-induced decoherence.

Aluminum is a promising candidate for practical implementation.

Large magnetic fields are needed for alkali metals, making them less feasible.

Abstract

The Rydberg blockade mechanism has shown noteworthy promise for scalable quantum computation with neutral atoms. Both qubit states and gate-mediating Rydberg state belong to the same optically-trapped atom. The trapping fields, while being essential, induce detrimental decoherence. Here we theoretically demonstrate that this Stark-induced decoherence may be completely removed using powerful concepts of "magic" optical traps. We analyze "magic" trapping of a prototype three-level system: a Rydberg state along with two qubit states: hyperfine states attached to a J=1/2 ground state. Our numerical results show that, while such a "magic" trap for alkali metals would require prohibitively large magnetic fields, the group IIIB metals such as Al are suitable candidates.