Quantum computing is an emerging and exciting research topic. The use of the principles of quantum mechanics in computation promises to solve a class of problems that is thought to be intractable with conventional computers. However, great uncertainty exists regarding the best physical realization of the basic building block of a quantum computer, the quantum bit (qubit). We plan to investigate the use of neutral atoms as the qubit, which is formed by either two electronic or two motional states of the atom. Research involves the study of atom confinement with optical lattices and entanglement by controlled collisions between atoms. In addition, decoherences that are due to amplitude and phase noise on the lasers that create the optical lattices and decoherences occurring during the entangling operations are modeled in a effort to quantify the feasibility of a neutral-atom quantum computer. This work involves collaboration with experimental efforts at NIST and elsewhere.

 

Keywords:

Atomic clocks; Atomic collisions; Confined atom dynamics; Interatomic potentials; Laser cooled atoms; Optical lattices; Quantum entanglement;

Citizenship:  Open to U.S. citizens

Level:  Open to Postdoctoral applicants