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A neutral atom quantum memory created by diffraction of laser light at an array of pinholes

Katharina Gillen, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo

(Session 6 : Saturday from 11:15-11:45)

Abstract. We present an idea for a new quantum memory for neutral atom quantum computing: Atom traps formed behind an array of pinholes. The diffraction pattern directly behind a circular aperture exhibits localized intensity maxima and minima that can serve as red-detuned or blue-detuned dipole traps for cold atoms, respectively. Previous calculations [1] suggest that the trap frequencies (kHz to 10s of kHz) achieved for even moderate laser powers (~100 mW) are theoretically sufficient for trapping atoms with low decoherence rates from motional heating and trap light scattering. This approach can be extended to an array of pinholes, thereby creating a 2D array of trapping sites that can be used as a quantum memory. The 2D geometry allows addressing of individual trapping sites with a focused laser beam for performance of single qubit operations. In addition to trapping atoms in the sites of this pattern, the polarization-dependence of atoms in certain atomic substates [2] can be exploited to bring pairs of atoms together and apart to facilitate two-qubit quantum gates. We will discuss our latest computational results on these trap arrays and the ability of bringing pairs of traps together and apart for quantum operations. [1] G. D. Gillen, et al., Phys. Rev. A 73, 013409 (2006), [2] I. H. Deutsch, et al., Phys. Rev. A, 57 (3), 1972-1986 (1998).