HYCODE

Atom chips on the submicron scale: Routes to hybrid cold atom-quantum electronics devices

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 Obiettivo del progetto (Objective)

'This project merges two very successful branches of science, solid state and ultra cold atom physics. Although a combination of quantum systems from each of these fields is of great interest, interactions between the two fields remain rare. In this project we will develop a platform to cool and trap ultracold rubidium gases in the submicron vicinity of novel types of atom chips (current chips: 10-100 microns).Only at this distance scale, efficient, fast and sufficiently strong controlled coupling between the atomic and the solid state based quantum electronic system will be possible. The close surface limitations can be beaten by reducing influences of Casimir-Polder surface attraction, Johnson noise and trapping potential roughness due to fabrication imperfections.The project encompasses fabrication of thin membrane atom chips with two-dimensional electron gases (2DEG) and magnetic materials coupling to ultracold thermal and Bose-condensed atomic samples at submicron distances. As a first application we will map out and control the current and donor distribution of a 2DEG. This project is set within the Midlands Ultracold Atom Research Centre at the University of Nottingham interlinking scientists and research at the interface between atomic and condensed matter physics. The project brings a researcher who constructed a pioneering cryogenic cold atom apparatus at TU Vienna into the cold atom group of Scientist-in-Charge Prof. Peter Krüger with its experience in quantum gases and atom chips. In this thriving environment fast development of novel hybrid devices can be expected with quantum technology applications ranging from quantum information processing to metrology (Casimir forces, minute magnetic field patterns). Hence this project targets areas of national and European priority in an interdisciplinary area of leadership of science and technology within the European Research Area.'

Introduzione (Teaser)

EU-funded scientists are shedding further insight into the interaction between solid materials and ultracold atoms by trapping the latter in 2D structures. Research is offering the opportunity to increase the use of ultracold atoms in nanosensors or precise clocks.

Descrizione progetto (Article)

When atoms are cooled down to extremely low temperatures, close to the absolute zero, their quantum mechanical properties become important. The EU-funded project HYCODE (Atom chips on the submicron scale: Routes to hybrid cold atom-quantum electronics devices) is preparing thin graphene membranes to trap ultracold atoms. Bringing them a few microns apart, scientists will achieve efficient, fast and sufficiently strong controlled coupling between the atomic and solid-state system.

Due to its high electron mobility, graphene allows generating sufficiently high currents to produce magnetic traps for ultracold atoms at room temperature. Scientists are focusing on reducing attraction forces arising between graphene membranes, decreasing thermal noise and producing defective graphene.

The project approach for manufacturing graphene membranes is to place them on an isolated copper grid and use laser light to form paths for current. Such wires should then generate magnetic fields that will act as atom traps.

Scientists have set up an ultra-high vacuum chamber to carry out the experiment with the cold atoms. In addition, they have developed a dual-colour magneto-optical trap that captures and cools atoms down to almost the absolute zero.

Merging solid-state and atomic physics should lead to massive synergistic effects and new physics. Project work should significantly contribute to fast development of novel hybrid systems for use in quantum information processing or quantum metrology.