SBIR-STTR Award

Optically addressing a large number of atoms trapped in a periodic lattice would be a critical missing technology necessary to achieve scalable quantum computation. A micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) based beam steering optical system is proposed to meet the needs of this topic. The system utilizes (a set of) tilting mirrors to create reconfigurable spots on a target of square lattice. The system can provide multi-color, polarization independent, nearly diffraction limited optical system without any frequency shift on the laser beams. We propose to build a Phase I prototype capable of directing the input laser beam to a 5x5 array of spots. Other research activities to demonstrate the long-term feasibility of this approach include high speed mirror development, MEMS mirrors with high power handling capability, and scalable optical design to achieve a 100x100 array of spots.

Keywords:
MICRO-ELECTROMECHANICAL SYSTEMS (MEMS), BEAM-STEERING, MICRO MIRRORS, QUANTUM COMPUTATION, OPTICAL LATTICE

A MEMS based multicolor beam steering system for generating 2D spot arrays has been demonstrated. For effective quantum computation applications, the optical system requires further optimization and refinement. In phase II, parameters such as beam scanning frame rates, insertion loss, system scalability and methods to improve the stability and ruggedness of the optical system will be enhanced towards a production ready process. Collaboration with experimental research groups working on trapped ion or neutral atom arrays will allow system refinements and provide added insight into the integration process. At the same time, commercial applications of this technology will be pursued.

Keywords:
Optical Lattice, Quantum, Computation, Mems, Trapped Ion, Neutral Atom, Physics, Scalability