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We present a modeling method that incorporates full-wave electromagnetic simulations and radiation force calculations to evaluate the performance of grating chips for compact megneto-optical traps (MOTs).

Abstract Optical bottle beams can be used to trap atoms and small low-index particles. We introduce a figure of merit (FoM) for optical bottle beams, specifically in the context of optical traps, and use it to compare optical bottle-beam traps obtained by three different methods. Using this FoM and an optimization algorithm, we identified the optical bottle-beam traps based on a Gaussian beam illuminating a metasurface that are superior in terms of power efficiency than existing approaches. We numerically demonstrate a silicon metasurface for creating an optical bottle-beam trap.

We report on progress towards a single atom, single photon source using a fiber connected optical chip. Quantum experiments with cold atoms are burdened by the complexity of the experimental apparatus. Using fiber connectorized optics and a grating MOT suitable for cooling Rb atoms we fabricate a pre-aligned device usable as a single photon source for quantum communication experiments. The device integrates a grating MOT with a single beam dipole trap produced by a fiber and GRIN lens combination. MOT atoms are loaded into the dipole trap and then used as a source of single photons which are collected by the same optical fiber. We will report on details of the fabrication of the optical chip, experimental characterization, and progress towards generating high purity single photons.

We investigate diffractive grating chips that can be used as part of a magneto-optical trap (MOT) to trap both Rb and Cs atoms with a single input beam for each atom species.

We present a continuous, narrow-linewidth, tunable laser system that outputs up to 14.0 W at 770 nm. The light is generated by frequency doubling 18.8 W of light from a 1540 nm fiber amplifier that is seeded by a single-mode diode laser achieving$><\#comment/>74\mathrm{\%<\#comment/>}$conversion efficiency. We utilize a lithium triborate crystal in an enhancement ring cavity. The low intensity noise and narrow linewidth of the 770 nm output are suitable for cold atom experiments.

Quantum transduction, the process of converting quantum signals from one form of energy to another, is an important area of quantum science and technology. The present perspective article reviews quantum transduction between microwave and optical photons, an area that has recently seen a lot of activity and progress because of its relevance for connecting superconducting quantum processors over long distances, among other applications. Our review covers the leading approaches to achieving such transduction, with an emphasis on those based on atomic ensembles, opto-electro-mechanics, and electro-optics. We briefly discuss relevant metrics from the point of view of different applications, as well as challenges for the future.

Neutral Holmium′s 128 ground hyperfine states, the most of any non-radioactive element, is a testbed for quantum control of a very high dimensional Hilbert space, and offers a promising platform for quantum computing. Its high magnetic moment also makes magnetic trapping a potentially viable alternative to optical trapping. Previously we have cooled Holmium atoms in a MOT on a 410.5 nm transition, characterized its Rydberg spectra, and made measurements of the dynamic scalar and tensor polarizabilities. We report here on progress towards narrow line cooling and magnetic trapping of single atoms.

Ensemble qubits with strong coupling to photons and resilience against single atom loss are promising candidates for building quantum networks. We report on progress towards high fidelity preparation and control of ensemble qubits using Rydberg blockade. Our previous demonstration of ensemble qubit preparation at a fidelity <60% was possibly limited by Rydberg blockade leakage due to uncontrolled short range atom pair separation. We show progress towards ensembles with a blue-detuned 1-D lattice on top of the existing red-detuned dipole trap, which will suppress unwanted Rydberg interactions by imposing constraints on the atomic separation. We study the effect of lattice insertion on the fidelity of ensemble state preparation and Rydberg-mediated gates. Studies of cooperative scattering from a 1D atomic array will also be presented.