Implementation of chiral quantum optics with Rydberg and trapped-ion setups

Abstract

We propose two setups for realizing a chiral quantum network, where two-level systems representing the nodes interact via directional emission into discrete waveguides, as introduced in T. Ramos et al. [Phys. Rev. A 93, 062104 (2016)]. The first implementation realizes a spin waveguide via Rydberg states in a chain of atoms, whereas the second one realizes a phonon waveguide via the localized vibrations of a string of trapped ions. For both architectures, we show that strong chirality can be obtained by a proper design of synthetic gauge fields in the couplings from the nodes to the waveguide. In the Rydberg case, this is achieved via intrinsic spin-orbit coupling in the dipole-dipole interactions, while for the trapped ions it is obtained by engineered sideband transitions. We take long-range couplings into account that appear naturally in these implementations, discuss useful experimental parameters, and analyze potential error sources. Finally, we describe effects that can be observed in these implementations within state-of-the-art technology, such as the driven-dissipative formation of entangled dimer states.

Anisotropy and state mixing in the interactions between Rydberg states

“…Finally, we summarized recent applications of this theoretical framework to the description of exotic many-body phases [18] and unconventional Rydberg blockade [19], both of them being relevant for the interpretation of on-going and future experiments. The possibilities given by these rich and complex properties of the Rydberg interactions are manifold: observation of topological states of matter [26], implementation of exotic spin models [33,34], new types of interactions between Rydberg polaritons [35], or the implementation of chiral spin-wave guides, where Rydberg excitations propagate along a chain of atoms along a preferential direction [36].…”

Mirror and cavity formations by chains of collectively radiating atoms

“…For example, the mirror-like behavior of the chain could be used to realize a chiral quantum network, where atoms interact via one-way emission [7][8][9]. It could also be used as an optical reflector or an optical mirror to create, together with a distant dielectric mirror, a Fabry-Pérot cavity [10].…”

“…Another kind of systems that can exhibit mirror properties or equivalently a highly directive radiative properties are atoms chirally coupled to a waveguide [7,8]. Chirality in atom-waveguide coupling is an effect associated with a broken symmetry of emission of photons from the atoms into the * qgulfam@jazanu.edu.sa † zficek@kacst.edu.sa right and left propagating modes of the waveguide.…”

Nanofiber-mediated chiral radiative coupling between two atoms

“…It has been shown that substantial coupling between two atoms can survive over long interatomic distances due to guided modes [26]. The chiral coupling between atoms has been studied in the framework of one-dimensional waveguide bath models [40][41][42][43][44][45][46], where radiation modes were completely [40][41][42][43][44] or partially [45,46] neglected. In closely related studies, the chiral effect in spontaneous emission of a single atom [47] and the radiative transfer between two atoms [48] in front of a dielectric surface have also been investigated.…”