A dual-element, two-dimensional atom array with continuous-mode operation

TL;DR

This paper introduces a dual-element atom array with independent control of rubidium and cesium atoms, enabling continuous operation and reducing crosstalk, which advances scalable quantum processing and error correction.

Contribution

It presents the first dual-element atom array with independent control and continuous operation, expanding capabilities for scalable quantum computing and sensing.

Findings

Array of up to 512 trapping sites for two atomic species

Negligible crosstalk between rubidium and cesium atoms

Continuous reloading of one element during operation

Abstract

Quantum processing architectures that include multiple qubit modalities offer compelling strategies for high-fidelity operations and readout, quantum error correction, and a path for scaling to large system sizes. Such hybrid architectures have been realized for leading platforms, including superconducting circuits and trapped ions. Recently, a new approach for constructing large, coherent quantum processors has emerged based on arrays of individually trapped neutral atoms. However, these demonstrations have been limited to arrays of a single atomic element where the identical nature of the atoms makes crosstalk-free control and non-demolition readout of a large number of atomic qubits challenging. Here we introduce a dual-element atom array with individual control of single rubidium and cesium atoms. We demonstrate their independent placement in arrays with up to 512 trapping sites and observe negligible crosstalk between the two elements. Furthermore, by continuously reloading one atomic element while maintaining an array of the other, we demonstrate a new continuous operation mode for atom arrays without any off-time. Our results enable avenues for ancilla-assisted quantum protocols such as quantum non-demolition measurements and quantum error correction, as well as continuously operating quantum processors and sensors.