Single Atoms with 6000-Second Trapping Lifetimes in Optical-Tweezer Arrays at Cryogenic Temperatures

TL;DR

This paper demonstrates the trapping of single rubidium atoms in cryogenic optical tweezer arrays with lifetimes exceeding 6000 seconds, enabling advanced quantum simulation and quantum technology applications.

Contribution

It introduces a cryogenic optical tweezer system with unprecedented atom trapping lifetimes, facilitating large-scale quantum experiments.

Findings

Single atoms trapped with >6000 s lifetime at 4 K

Cryogenic environment achieved without vacuum baking

Potential for large-scale quantum simulation

Abstract

We report on the trapping of single Rb atoms in tunable arrays of optical tweezers in a cryogenic environment at $\sim 4$ K. We describe the design and construction of the experimental apparatus, based on a custom-made, UHV compatible, closed-cycle cryostat with optical access. We demonstrate the trapping of single atoms in cryogenic arrays of optical tweezers, with lifetimes in excess of $\sim6000$ s, despite the fact that the vacuum system has not been baked out. These results open the way to large arrays of single atoms with extended coherence, for applications in large-scale quantum simulation of many-body systems, and more generally in quantum science and technology.