Miniaturized Devices for Single-Atom Quantum Technologies

Project Information

MiniAtomQ

Grant agreement ID: 101113334

DOI

10.3030/101113334

Project closed

EC signature date 25 February 2023

Start date 1 July 2023

End date 31 December 2024

Funded under

• European Research Council (ERC)

Total cost

No data

EU contribution

€ 150 000,00

Coordinated by

TECHNISCHE UNIVERSITAET WIEN
Austria

Periodic Reporting for period 1 - MiniAtomQ (Miniaturized Devices for Single-Atom Quantum Technologies)

Reporting period: 2023-07-01 to 2024-12-31

Summary of the context and overall objectives of the project

Single atoms provide an exceptional platform for many applications in quantum science and technology. However, the corresponding experiments typically have a large footprint, making it challenging to exploit the potential of single atoms in real life applications. In this project, we investigated the realization of robust, compact, and versatile single-atom manipulation setups based on microfabricated laser cooling devices and 3D-printed optical tweezers that can be directly integrated into fiber networks.

Work performed from the beginning of the project to the end of the period covered by the report and main results achieved so far

During the course of this project, we have manufactured 3D printed optical tweezer traps with our collaborators. This involved designing and printing suitable microscopic optics directly onto the tip of an optical fiber. Moreover, we have investigated designs for miniaturized atom cooling. This has significantly reduced the footprint of the experimental setup, with further optimization ongoing beyond the project lifetime. Similarly, extensive efforts have been invested into miniaturizing the laser systems for the experiment, reducing the number of necessary lasers to a single system, which has been realized using a compact, integrated diode laser system. An important ongoing effort was aimed at evaluating the IP situations and establishing further connections with industry and applied research groups.

Progress beyond the state of the art and expected potential impact (including the socio-economic impact and the wider societal implications of the project so far)

Realizing reliable, integrated single atom trapping is expected to trigger a transition from large-scale research setups to small, portable devices that exploit single atoms, e.g. as sources of single photons for quantum communication applications. In order to fully exploit the potential of the miniaturized approach, further research will be targeted to ideally match the individual components to be used in the prototype.