Speaker
Description
Trapped ions are widely used for optical clocks [1], quantum computing [2], and tests of fundamental physics [3], offering optical transitions from the ultraviolet to the infrared. However, conventional free-space optics limit alignment stability and scalability, constraining the full exploitation of these systems. Photonic integration addresses these limitations by replacing bulky free-space optics with compact, robust on-chip components, while also opening new opportunities for tailored beam shaping.
We present a surface ion trap with integrated photonic waveguides and grating couplers designed to deliver all wavelengths required for $^{172}$Yb$^+$ clock spectroscopy. To efficiently drive the forbidden E3 transition, an on-chip mode converter transforms the 467$\,$nm light into a Hermite–Gaussian HG$_{01}$ mode. The characteristic intensity minimum of this mode allows the ion to be positioned at the central dark region, strongly suppressing AC Stark shifts while maintaining efficient excitation with appropriate polarization [4].
We report on the current status of the setup and discuss the technical challenges specific to room-temperature operation.
[1] Tara M. Fortier, Andre N. Luiten, and Helen S. Margolis, "Optical atomic clocks: defining the future of time and frequency metrology," Optica 13, 143-163 (2026)
[2] Colin D. Bruzewicz, John Chiaverini, Robert McConnell, Jeremy M. Sage; Trapped-ion quantum computing: Progress and challenges. Appl. Phys. Rev. 1 June 2019; 6 (2): 021314
[3] L. S. Dreissen, et al. Nat Commun 13, 7314 (2022)
[4] A. A. Peshkov et al, Excitation of Forbidden Electronic Transitions in Atoms by Hermite–Gaussian Modes. ANNALEN DER PHYSIK 2023, 535, 2300204.