Quantum computing with neutral atoms

• Applicants: Professor Dr. Christian Groß; Professor Dr. Dieter Jaksch; Professor Igor Lesanovsky; Professor Dr. Tilman Pfau; Dr. Johannes Zeiher
• Subject Area: Optics, Quantum Optics and Physics of Atoms, Molecules and Plasmas
• Term: since 2025
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 554561799

Quantum computing (QC) is as a critical quantum technology with expected short-term scientific outputs and longer-term large socio-economic impact. This recently led to the establishment of large-scale, long-term, scientific programs for QC in various nations, among them Japan and Germany. While a variety of platforms are considered to realize QC, the neutral-atom (or cold-atom) platform has recently risen as a leading candidate for scaling-up to a regime where problems of scientific, but in the longer run also of industrial interest can be investigated. In this approach, already hundreds of atoms can be individually captured and manipulated by lasers to serve as a qubit register with unrivalled coherence time. By exploiting giant electronic orbitals (the Rydberg states), entanglement between atoms can be generated with increasing fidelity (now above 99%). This project aims at accelerating the development of such cold-atom quantum processing units (QPU) through the creation of a binational research network. Our focus is on the development of key technology to advance the QPU capabilities, as well as on the development of applications tailored to optimally exploit the QPU. We gathered recognized experts from both countries, who are leading the national efforts in neutral-atom QC. We organized collaborative and complimentary research towards five research goals that exploit identified synergies between Japan- and Germany-based researchers, as well as between theory and experimental teams. At the core of the program, the intense exchange of young researchers will promote the dissemination of best practices and know-how, encourage the emergence of new ideas and techniques, and foster a strongly connected generation of researchers.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants
• International Connection: Japan
• Partner Organisation: Japan Science and Technology Agency; JST
• Cooperation Partner: Dr. Sylvain De Leseleuc