MEMS-based optical beam steering system for quantum information processing in two-dimensional atomic systems

Abstract

In order to provide scalability to quantum information processors utilizing trapped atoms or ions as quantum bits (qubits), the capability to address multiple individual qubits in a largeSome of the most promising physical implementations of quantum information processors (QIPs) utilize internal states of ions coupled via Coulomb interactions [1][2][3][4] or neutral atoms coupled through dipole-dipole interactions [5,6] to represent quantum bits (qubits). Manipulation of qubit states in these QIP implementations require precisely controlled laser beams. While architectures for scalable QIPs have been proposed, [7] their realization is limited by available technology. [8] To improve the scalability of these experiments, an effective means of delivering laser beams to multiple qubit locations is required. Requirements such as fast addressing times (∼ 1µs) imposed by qubit dephasing, [9] broad range of operational wavelengths (UV for trapped ions [2][3][4] and IR for neutral atoms [9,10]), and scalable addressing of thousands of locations exclude the possibility of using traditional optical components. Acousto-optical modulators have been used to provide beam steering to several qubit locations [11], but this approach introduces a frequency shift and is difficult and costly to scale. Optical micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) can provide a variety of optical 1

Multiplexed broadband beam steering system utilizing high speed MEMS mirrors

“…We previously reported our implementation of a MEMS based 2 dimensional (2D) single beam steering system [13]. In this paper, we demonstrate the scalability of the system by incorporating two beam paths at different wavelengths (780 nm and 635 nm) with substantial improvements in steering speed and optical throughput compared to our previous results.…”

“…While a single MEMS mirror that provides 2D beam steering has been demonstrated [15], it is difficult to reach the target speeds with such mirrors. Using a pair of small one dimensional (1D) tilting MEMS mirrors with limited angular range [13] we can achieve significantly faster beam steering performance than the 2D mirrors. In order to accommodate two axis motion for a single beam path, two 1D mirrors are oriented with orthogonal rotational axes horizontally separated by 2h on the same substrate.…”

“…The optical system design places requirements on the maximum mechanical tilt angle of the mirror (φ max ) in relation to its radius (r). In our system, simple ray tracing and Gaussian beam considerations lead to the relationship between mirror radius and required mirror tilt angle, r ∝ 1/φ max [13].…”

Ion-trap quantum information processing: Experimental status

“…Currently, laser addressing is achieved by changing the deflection angle of an acousto-optic modulator [39]. In recent work, a micromirror array fabricated by a microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) process was used to steer a near-infrared laser beam, allowing laser addressing on a 5 × 5 grid of spacing 8 µm with a switching time of ∼ 10 µs [113]. Similar MEMS micromirrors have been fabricated with high reflectivity at the UV wavelengths relevant to ion QIP [114].…”

Individual addressing of trapped 171Yb+ ion qubits using a microelectromechanical systems-based beam steering system

“…The mirrors are fabricated on a single substrate (Figure 1(c)) using Sandia's SUMMiT V process 18 allowing for a single system to be scaled to multiple beams across a variety of wavelengths. 19 wavelength while minimizing the stress that induces curvature on the plate. The beam waist of the incoming Raman beam is focused onto the first of the MEMS mirrors, and a folded 2f-2f imaging system projects the beam waist onto the second MEMS mirror.…”