On‐Chip Light–Atom Interactions: Physics and Applications

Abstract

The large volumes induced by complex free‐space optical paths pose a challenge to quantum precision measurement and optical communication in traditional optics. Meanwhile, on‐chip integration is an important requirement for quantum technology. To simplify complicated optical systems, the development of miniaturized and integrated devices with a variety of structures, such as optical waveguide, microcavity, photonic crystal, and metasurface, has attracted increasing attention. Herein, on‐chip light–atom interactions affected by these nanostructures from the aspects of recent advancement in their physics and applications are reviewed. In recent years, different nanostructures are used to realize the functions of macro‐optical systems. The structural characteristics, interaction mechanisms, and main achievements in terms of the applications of the corresponding devices are demonstrated and compared. Finally, the research trends and challenges as well as the scope for future work are discussed.

Recent Progress of Atomic Magnetometers for Geomagnetic Applications

“…For example, replacing space optical devices with nanostructures such as optical waveguides and hollow fibers is an important part of realizing chip-scale atomic magnetometers [112]. On the other hand, the mechanism of light-atom interaction influenced by nanostructures needs to be further studied to improve the sensitivity of chip-scale atomic magnetometers [113]. In addition, the chip-scale atomic magnetometers are expected to form composite sensors with other chip-scale sensors to achieve multi-parameter and multifunctional measurement [114], and they can be applied in emerging fields such as biomedicine, magnetic mapping, and basic physics research.…”

A Miniaturized Spin‐Exchange Relaxation‐Free Atomic Magnetometer Array Based on a 1 × 8 Planar Lightwave Circuit Waveguide Splitter

“…The increasing sensitivity of magnetometers has provided people with deeper insights into the world, leading to a wide DOI: 10.1002/qute.202300084 range of applications in fields ranging from frontier research in fundamental physics to interdisciplinary research in medical engineering. [1][2][3][4] Recently, spin-exchange relaxation-free (SERF) atomic magnetometers, which rely on the interaction between magnetism, light, and atoms, have achieved ultrahigh sensitivity on the order of fT Hz −1/2 within low-frequency ranges, which has attracted significant research efforts in various fields, including electric dipole moment measurement, [5] verification of charge parity-time symmetry breaking, and exploration of abnormal interactions. [6,7] Recent developments in SERF atomic magnetometers have focused on creating more integrated mobile prototypes, [8,9] eliminating the need for cryogenic cooling equipment.…”

On-Chip Mach-Zehnder-Like Interferometer for Atomic Spin Precession Detection

“…The urgent demand for high spatial resolution bio-magnetic imaging in the medical field [19][20] and micro positioning navigation-timing technology (Micro-PNT) [21] in military and civilian fields has made chip integration of atomic devices become a hot topic of research in recent years. Recent rapid developments in the field of integrated photonics, especially in silicon (Si) photonics, have made it possible to integrate multifunctional conventional optics on a chip [22,23]. Therefore, it is promising to achieve chip-based integration of atomic spin precession detection systems through emerging integrated photonics and nanofabrication techniques, which can facilitate miniaturization and mass production of atomic devices.…”