Thesis

Scalable analogue optimisation on a neutral atom array

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Awarding institution
  • University of Strathclyde
Date of award
  • 2024
Thesis identifier
  • T17178
Person Identifier (Local)
  • 202089346
Qualification Level
Qualification Name
Department, School or Faculty
Abstract
  • This thesis describes the development and use of a neutral atom quantum computing system, in particular detailing the methods to create a useful quantum computing platform that can efficiently scale to larger system sizes. The Scalable Qubit Arrays (SQuAre) platform can trap and deterministically arrange over 100 caesium atoms into arbitrary array geometries. These atom arrays can then be used for performing either digital or analogue quantum computation, or for quantum simulation. Blue-detuned optical dipole traps are demonstrated, using novel holographic techniques to generate arrays of optical potentials capable of coherently trapping arrays of Rydberg atoms. Simulations presented in this thesis are used to confirm the viability of this scheme and find optimal trapping parameters. Experimental results then show blue-detuned optical dipole potentials can be used to trap atoms excited in the Rydberg state for long periods otherwise prohibited by experiments relying on applying gate operations in free-fall. Graph optimisation problems naturally map onto Rydberg atom quantum computing systems by mapping onto a unit disk graph. A new approach to implement programmable local-light shifts is presented, enabling the first demonstration of Maximum Weighted Independent Set (MWIS) problems on a neutral atom array using annealing. These results provide a route to solving wider classes of classical optimisation problems on arbitrary graphs by encoding onto MWIS, opening the possiblity for near-term application of neutral atom quantum computing to real-world problems.
Advisor / supervisor
  • Pritchard, Jonathan D.
Resource Type
Note
  • Previously held under moratorium from 20th Dec 2024 until 20th Dec 2025.
DOI

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