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

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.

Tunable light-induced dipole-dipole interaction between optically levitated nanoparticles

“…The demonstrated strength and level of control of optical and electrostatic interactions in arrays of levitated solid-state objects, in combination with the previously realized quantum state preparation, provides a platform that may open up many research avenues in quantum physics. We foresee that this platformwith a possible addition of an optical cavity-can be used for quantum simulation with mechanical degrees of freedom (31)(32)(33), enhanced quantum sensing (34), collective effects (35), and phonon transport and thermalization (24).…”

Observation of strong and tunable light-induced dipole-dipole interactions between optically levitated nanoparticles

“…Engineered strong optical and electrostatic interactions between multiple macroscopic objects may open up many research avenues in quantum physics. We foresee that the platform described in this work -with a possible addition of an optical cavity -can be used for quantum simulation with mechanical degrees of freedom [54][55][56], enhanced quantum sensing [57], collective effects [28,58,59], (quantum) synchronization [60][61][62], studies of molecular structures [63], ultrastrong coupling between harmonic oscillators [64] or phonon transport and thermalization [30]…”