Steven Olmschenk, University of Maryland
Abstract
Rapid progress in coherent control of single trapped atomic ions and ensembles of ultracold atoms in optical lattices has enabled more precise atomic physics measurements, a probe of fundamental quantum physics, and progress towards quantum information processing, including the quantum simulation of models from condensed matter. Here I present recent results on approaches towards these ends with both trapped ions and ultracold atoms in optical lattices. Using ytterbium ions coupled to single photons, we demonstrate a quantum teleportation protocol between two distant matter qubits with a measured fidelity of 90(2)%. With atoms in an optical lattice, we perform randomized benchmarking of single qubit operations, measuring an average error per gate of 1.4(1) x 10^-4. A method to extend the coherence time by cancellation of up to 95(2)% of the differential light shift in the ground state of rubidium is also implemented. Finally, I discuss recent progress towards observing new many-body effects, as well as how all of these operations might be extended for more advanced applications.