Researchers from the Center for Quantum Technologies (CQT) at the National University of Singapore have developed a new method to precisely arrange rubidium atoms in lattices (Scientists achieve the modern flawless atomic lattice) as wide as a human hair using optical tweezers.
Using their automatic set-up powered by a new algorithm, the team of Assistant Professor Loh Huanqian, Principal Researcher at CQT, obtained a 225-atom lattice (Scientists achieve the modern flawless atomic lattice) without defects with a 33% success rate. This is one of the highest successes reported in the literature for summer house design.
Quantum networks can help scientists make quantum simulations of dynamic matter. Perfection in the model is important because finding a missing dot or three in the lattice distorts the signals seen in quantum simulations.
The CQT team achieved this by reorganizing multiple atoms with multiple optical tweezers, making it more efficient and flawless than existing systems that move one atom at a time using a single optical tweezer.
According to Mr. Tian Weikun, the first author of the research paper and a doctoral student at CQT, rearranging the atoms one by one is like tapping with one finger.
He commented: “Our new approach rearranges multiple atoms at once. This is like typing with multiple fingers, which is faster and saves time. Also, atoms do not last forever. The simulation software rearranges the atoms, reducing the chance of defects.
The researchers demonstrated their method by using it to shape arbitrary geometries, such as honeycomb, kagome and connection-kagome, which are useful for studying different advanced materials such as graphene, superconductors or water water of quantum spins.
Assistant Professor Loh said: “Just to prove that we did it in Singapore, we also arranged a single atom to create the lion’s sign.” The lion head symbol was introduced as a national symbol in 1986 and symbolizes courage, strength and goodness.
Source: National University of Singapore
