A tweezer array with 6100 highly coherent atomic qubits

Abstract: Optical tweezer arrays have had a transformative impact on atomic and molecular physics over the past years, and they now form the backbone for a wide range of leading experiments in quantum computing, simulation, and metrology. Typical experiments trap tens to hundreds of atomic qubits, and very recently systems with around one thousand atoms were realized without demonstrating coherent control. However, scaling to thousands of atomic qubits with long coherence times and low-loss, high-fidelity imaging is an outstanding challenge and critical for progress in quantum computing, simulation, and metrology, in particular, towards applications with quantum error correction. Here, we experimentally realize an array of optical tweezers trapping over 6,100 neutral atoms in around 12,000 sites while simultaneously surpassing state-of-the-art performance for several critical metrics that underpin the success of the platform. Specifically, while scaling to such a large number of atoms, we also demonstrate a coherence time of 12.6(1) seconds, a record for hyperfine qubits in an optical tweezer array. Further, we show trapping lifetimes close to 23 minutes in a room-temperature apparatus, enabling record-high imaging survival of 99.98952(1)% in combination with an imaging fidelity of over 99.99%. We lay out a detailed, near-term plan to enable zone-based quantum computing with $\sim$6,000 atoms, and demonstrate a crucial ingredient thereof: coherent moves of up to 610 $\mu$m with a fidelity of $\sim$99.95%, as characterized through interleaved randomized benchmarking. Our results, together with other recent developments, indicate that universal quantum computing with ten thousand atomic qubits could be a near-term prospect. Furthermore, our work could pave the way for quantum simulation and metrology experiments with inherent single particle readout and positioning capabilities at a similar scale.

• The paper demonstrates a scalable optical tweezer array confining 6100 atomic qubits with a coherence time of 12.6 seconds and imaging fidelity exceeding 99.99%.
• It applies advanced techniques including the XY16 dynamical decoupling sequence and acousto-optic deflector transport to achieve a transport fidelity of approximately 99.95%.
• The paper outlines a near-term strategy for universal quantum computing with error correction using hundreds of logical qubits via robust storage and interaction zones.

Essay on "A Tweezer Array with 6100 Highly Coherent Atomic Qubits"

The paper "A Tweezer Array with 6100 Highly Coherent Atomic Qubits" presents significant advancements in the use of optical tweezer arrays for large-scale quantum computing applications. The authors have successfully scaled the optical tweezer array platform to confine over 6,100 atomic qubits, demonstrating critical metrics necessary for state-of-the-art performance in quantum computing, simulation, and metrology.

Key Findings and Methodology

The researchers achieved a beam-defining 11,998-site array of optical tweezers operating at near-infrared wavelengths, utilizing spatial light modulators to form individual, focused trapping sites. These tweezer-based traps are crucial for achieving long coherence times and high imaging fidelities for atomic qubits. With record high-fidelity single-atom detection rates and incredibly low loss rates, the team demonstrated a collection and survival probability for images that surpasses current state-of-the-art metrics. Remarkably, they achieved an imaging survival probability of 99.98952(1)% and an imaging fidelity greater than 99.99%, setting new benchmarks for experiments in room-temperature environments.

In terms of quantum coherence, the paper reports a coherence time of 12.6 seconds for hyperfine qubits in optical tweezer arrays, a notable improvement over previous values. This time extension is crucial for the practical implementation of quantum computing systems as it enables prolonged quantum operations without requiring error correction. They achieved this progress by applying a dynamical decoupling technique, specifically the XY16 sequence, which significantly mitigated dephasing effects.

Quantum Computing Prospects

Beyond imaging and coherence, the study demonstrated long-distance coherent atomic transport using acousto-optic deflectors (AODs) over lengths significantly larger than previously shown. This capability opens prospects for zone-based quantum computing architectures, which offer a flexible approach to non-local quantum operations necessary for quantum error correction. The transport fidelity was characterized using interleaved randomized benchmarking, confirming an instantaneous transport fidelity of approximately 99.95%.

The paper further discusses a feasible near-term path toward universal quantum computing with up to 6,000 atoms, promising error correction with hundreds of logical qubits. Such a feat involves coherent atomic transport between storage and interaction zones while maintaining the spatial uniformity of array parameters. Utilizing multiple optical zone strategies, these findings underpin the potential scalability of optical tweezer-based quantum systems to ten thousand qubits and beyond.

Implications and Future Directions

From a theoretical standpoint, the realization of a larger-scale optical tweezer array with enhanced coherence and fidelity metrics paves the way for advancements in quantum metrology and quantum simulation, extending potential computational power and precision in numerous domains. Practically, it raises the profile of optical tweezers as a versatile platform suitable for fault-tolerant quantum computing architectures.

In conclusion, while the research demonstrates a real leap in the capabilities of atomic qubits confined in optical tweezers, the implications transcend scaling alone; they suggest practical methodologies and architectures adaptable for future quantum technologies. Beyond the immediate results, this work provides a blueprint for continued advancements towards highly scalable quantum systems, likely catalyzing further research into quantum error correction and entanglement at unprecedented scales.