Towards Programmable Neutral Atom Arrays with Alkaline-Earth-Like Ytterbium for Quantum Computing and Simulation

Abstract

Neutral atoms trapped in optical tweezer arrays open new frontiers for building controllable and scalable quantum systems. Owing to their excellent coherence properties and controllability, alkaline-earth(-like) atoms such as ytterbium (Yb) and strontium (Sr) have emerged as leading candidates for quantum computing and simulation. This thesis reports on the design and implementation of a new experimental apparatus for generating optically-controlled Yb atom arrays. Key capabilities include laser-cooling, high resolution imaging, magnetic field control and dynamically reconfigurable optical tweezers. Tailored to the omg qubit architecture utilizing the nuclear spin-1/2 states in 171Yb, the system allows for excitation to clock and Rydberg states, as well as single-qubit control via Raman transitions. We demonstrate trapping of individual Yb atoms in programmable two-dimensional optical tweezer arrays generated by a spatial light modulator. Using a narrow-line cooling and imaging transition, we achieve high-fidelity site-resolved fluorescence imaging of single atoms trapped at the magic wavelength. To characterize the platform, we measure the lifetime, atomic temperature in tweezers and trap frequencies. Furthermore, we present the implementation of a Rydberg laser system for excitation and detection of Yb Rydberg atoms. The work in this thesis provides a solid foundation for future quantum computing and simulation experiments with individually controlled Yb atoms featuring Rydberg-mediated interactions.