A Versatile Quantum Simulator for Coupled Oscillators Using a 1D Chain of Atoms Trapped near an Optical Nanofiber

Daniela Holzmann,Helmut Ritsch,Matthias Sonnleitner

doi:10.3390/photonics8060228

Abstract

The transversely confined propagating light modes of a nanophotonic optical waveguide or nanofiber can effectively mediate infinite-range forces. We show that for a linear chain of particles trapped within the waveguide’s evanescent field, transverse illumination with a suitable set of laser frequencies should allow the implementation of a coupled-oscillator quantum simulator with time-dependent and widely controllable all-to-all interactions. Using the example of the energy spectrum of oscillators with simulated Coulomb interactions, we show that different effective coupling geometries can be emulated with high precision by proper choice of laser illumination conditions. Similarly, basic quantum gates can be selectively implemented between arbitrarily chosen pairs of oscillators in the energy as well as in the coherent-state basis. Key properties of the system dynamics and states can be monitored continuously by analysis of the out-coupled fiber fields.

Highlights

Designed laser fields allow one to trap individual quantum particles at well defined locations and cool them to their motional ground states [1,2]
The atoms interact with the evanescent field of light modes propagating within the fiber [5], exchanging energy and momentum
By designing the incoming light field, we show, for example, how the interaction between ions can be simulated, even if they are ordered in 2D or 3D geometries

Summary

Introduction

Designed laser fields allow one to trap individual quantum particles at well defined locations and cool them to their motional ground states [1,2]. Successfully scattered light from a transverse excitation laser into a nanofiber using atoms trapped near that fiber [6]. The atoms interact with the evanescent field of light modes propagating within the fiber [5], exchanging energy and momentum. As photons within the fiber propagate over practically infinite distances, they collectively couple to all atoms, which induces all-to-all long-range interactions [11]. In this way thousands of atoms can be trapped, which leads to strong collective effects [12]

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion