arXiv subjects

Simon L. Cornish

Publications and source records attributed to Simon L. Cornish.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2026

Experiments with interacting ultracold polar molecules

Ultracold polar molecules have emerged as an exciting platform for experiments in quantum science, with many proposed applications seeking to leverage the existence of long-range dipolar interactions and the rich internal structure of long-lived states. However, the complexity of molecules also presents many experimental challenges. In this chapter, we review the experimental advances over the past two decades that have brought ultracold molecules under full quantum control. We focus on three key topics: control of ultracold molecular collisions, engineering dipolar interactions and nascent quantum simulations in optical lattices.

physics.atom-ph↗

arXiv2026

Harnessing resonant dipolar interactions in a hybrid atom-molecule quantum system

Hybrid quantum systems offer a route to combining the complementary strengths of distinct quantum platforms while mitigating their limitations. A particularly promising architecture combines neutral atoms and polar molecules: atoms provide fast, controllable interactions through excitation to Rydberg states, while molecules possess long-lived rotational states that are attractive for quantum memories and qudits. Although dipolar interactions between atoms and molecules have been observed in gas-phase and beam experiments, they have not previously been explored in a scalable optical tweezer platform that enables the controlled coherent interactions needed for quantum state transfer and entanglement. Here, we realise this goal, demonstrating coherent dipolar interactions between an individual Rydberg atom and an individual polar molecule. The separation of the particles is controlled using species-specific optical tweezers and their dipolar interactions are made strongly state-dependent by tuning two atom-molecule pair states into resonance. We exploit these interactions to demonstrate atom-mediated state readout of a molecular qubit, observe coherent spin exchange between the particles, and generate entanglement using a blockade-based controlled-NOT operation. Together, these results establish a coherent atom-molecule interface in which long-lived molecular quantum information can be rapidly mapped onto internal states of a Rydberg atom for readout or onward coherent transfer. This platform can be scaled to realise hybrid quantum processors utilising atom-mediated readout and entanglement of molecular qubits and mixed-species quantum simulators of dipolar systems.

physics.atom-ph↗

arXiv2026

Multi-state detection and spatial addressing in a microscope for ultracold molecules

Precise measurement of the particle number, spatial distribution and internal state is fundamental to all proposed experiments with ultracold molecules both in bulk gases and optical lattices. Here, we demonstrate in-situ detection of individual molecules in a bulk sample of 87Rb133Cs molecules. Extending techniques from atomic quantum gas microscopy, we pin the molecules in a deep two-dimensional optical lattice and, following dissociation, collect fluorescence from the constituent atoms using a high-numerical-aperture objective. This enables detection of individual molecules up to the resolution of the sub-micron lattice spacing. Our approach provides direct access to the density distribution of small samples of molecules, allowing us to obtain precise measurements of density-dependent collisional losses. Further, by mapping two internal states of the molecule to different atomic species, we demonstrate simultaneous detection of the position and rotational state of individual molecules. Finally, we implement local addressing of the sample using a focused beam to induce a spatially-dependent light shift on the rotational transitions of the molecules.

cond-mat.quant-gas↗

arXiv2026

Probing topological edge states in a molecular synthetic dimension

Engineering synthetic dimensions, where the physics of additional spatial dimensions is simulated within the internal states of a quantum system, allows the realisation of phenomena not otherwise accessible in experiments. Ultracold ground-state polar molecules are an ideal platform to encode synthetic dimensions, offering access to large Hilbert spaces of long-lived internal states associated with the rotational and hyperfine degrees of freedom, that can be coupled together with microwave fields to simulate tunnelling. Here, to benchmark the advantages of ultracold molecules, we encode a 1D synthetic lattice in the rotational states of ultracold RbCs molecules and use it to investigate the well-known Su-Schrieffer-Heeger (SSH) model, a minimal model displaying topological properties. To probe the system, we perform spectroscopy using an auxiliary rotational state and study the time dynamics after deterministic state preparation. We demonstrate long coherence times, typically ~500 times the lattice tunnelling period, even for a synthetic lattice using 8 rotational states. Observations of dynamics at long times with full site-resolved readout of the synthetic dimension allow us to test the effects of chiral and non-chiral perturbations on the topologically protected edge states. Our work lays the foundation for further quantum simulations using the rich internal structure of molecules, including dipolar string phases in interacting samples of molecules, and adiabatic state preparation of many-body Hamiltonians.

physics.atom-ph↗

arXiv2026

Hyperfine-resolved optical spectroscopy of ultracold $^{87}$Rb$^{133}$Cs molecules: the $\mathrm{b}\,^3Π_0$ metastable state

Using an ultracold gas of $^{87}$Rb$^{133}$Cs molecules, we perform hyperfine-resolved spectroscopy of transitions from the vibronic ground state to the lowest rovibrational states of the electronic state $\mathrm{b}\,^3Π_0$, as a function of magnetic field. These transitions are spin forbidden, resulting in narrow linewidths, and feature near-diagonal Franck-Condon factors. We develop a model of the hyperfine and Zeeman structure that includes coupling between the $0^+$ and $0^-$ components of $\mathrm{b}\,^3Π_0$. We fit the spectra to obtain rotational and hyperfine coupling constants. We measure transition dipole moments associated with specific transitions by directly observing Rabi oscillations as a function of a resonant laser pulse duration. Using resonant $π$ pulses, we prepare molecules in the electronically excited state and directly measure the spontaneous emission rate.

physics.atom-ph↗

arXiv2025

Isolated quantum-state networks in ultracold molecules

Precise control over rotational angular momentum is at the heart of recent advances in quantum chemistry, quantum simulation, and quantum computation with ultracold bialkali molecules. Each rotational state comprises a rich manifold of hyperfine states arising from combinations of rotation and nuclear spins; this often yields hundreds of transitions available between a given pair of rotational states, and the efficient navigation of this complex space is a current challenge for experiments. Here, we describe a general approach based on a simple heuristic and graph theory to quickly identify optimal sets of states in ultracold bialkali molecules. We explain how to find pathways through the many available transitions to prepare the molecule in a specific state with maximum speed for any desired fidelity. We then examine networks of states where multiple couplings are present at the same time. As example applications, we first identify a closed loop of four states in the RbCs molecule where there is minimal population leakage out of the loop during simultaneous microwave coupling; we then extend the optimisation procedure to account for decoherence induced by magnetic-field noise and obtain an optimal set of 3 states for quantum computation applications.

physics.atom-ph↗

arXiv2025

Long-lived multilevel coherences and spin-1 dynamics encoded in the rotational states of ultracold molecules

Rotational states of ultracold polar molecules possess long radiative lifetimes, microwave-domain coupling, and tunable dipolar interactions. The availability of numerous rotational states has inspired many proposed applications, including simulations of quantum magnetism, encodings of information in high-dimensional qudits, and synthetic dimensions with many synthetic lattice sites. Many of these applications are yet to be realised, primarily because engineering long-lived coherent superpositions of multiple rotational states is highly challenging. Here, we investigate how multilevel coherences between rotational states can be engineered by using optical tweezer traps operating close to a magic wavelength for a given pair of states. By performing precision Ramsey spectroscopy we find the exact magic wavelengths and sensitivities to detuning errors for multiple rotational state superpositions. We find that, for a trap polarised parallel to the quantisation axis, the magic wavelengths are closely clustered enabling long-lived coherence across multiple rotational states simultaneously. As an example, we demonstrate simultaneous second-scale coherence between three rotational states. Utilising this extended coherence, we perform multiparameter estimation using a generalised Ramsey sequence and demonstrate coherent spin-1 dynamics encoded in the rotational states. With modest experimental improvements, we predict that second-scale coherent dynamics of ten rotational states should be readily achievable.

physics.atom-ph↗

arXiv2025

Individual assembly of two-species Rydberg molecules using optical tweezers

We present a new approach to investigating Rydberg molecules by demonstrating the formation and characterization of individual Rb$^{*}$Cs Rydberg molecules using optical tweezers. By employing single-atom detection of Rb and Cs, we observe molecule formation via correlated loss of both species and study the formation dynamics with single-particle resolution. We control the interatomic distances by manipulating the relative wavefunction of atom pairs using the tweezer intensity, optimizing the coupling to molecular states and exploring the effect of the tweezer on these states. Additionally, we demonstrate molecule association with atoms trapped in separate tweezers, paving the way for state-selective assembly of polyatomic molecules. The observed binding energies, molecular alignment, and bond lengths are in good agreement with theory. Our approach is broadly applicable to Rydberg tweezer platforms, expanding the range of available molecular systems and enabling the integration of Rydberg molecules into existing quantum science platforms.

physics.atom-ph↗

arXiv2024

Long-lived entanglement of molecules in magic-wavelength optical tweezers

Realising quantum control and entanglement of particles is crucial for advancing both quantum technologies and fundamental science. Significant developments in this domain have been achieved in a variety of systems. In this context, ultracold polar molecules offer new and unique opportunities due to their more complex internal structure associated with vibration and rotation, coupled to the existence of long-range interactions. However, the same properties make molecules highly sensitive to their environment, impacting their coherence and utility in some applications. Here we show that by engineering an exceptionally controlled environment using rotationally-magic optical tweezers, we can achieve long-lived entanglement between pairs of molecules using hertz-scale interactions. We demonstrate the highest reported fidelity to date for a two-molecule Bell state ($0.976^{+0.014}_{-0.016}$) and present the first realisation of a microwave-driven entangling gate between two molecules, preparing the molecules in a decoherence-free subspace. We show that the magic-wavelength trap preserves the entanglement, with no measurable decay over 0.5 s, opening new avenues for quantum-enhanced metrology, ultracold chemistry and the use of rotational states for quantum simulation, quantum computation and as quantum memories. The extension of precise quantum control to complex molecular systems will allow their additional degrees of freedom to be exploited across many domains of quantum science.

physics.atom-ph↗

arXiv2024

Enhanced quantum state transfer via feedforward cancellation of optical phase noise

Many experimental platforms for quantum science depend on state control via laser fields. Frequently, however, the control fidelity is limited by optical phase noise. This is exacerbated in stabilized laser systems where high-frequency phase noise is an unavoidable consequence of feedback. Here we implement an optical feedforward technique to suppress laser phase noise in the STIRAP state transfer of ultracold RbCs molecules, across 114 THz, from a weakly bound Feshbach state to the rovibrational ground state. By performing over 100 state transfers on single molecules, we measure a significantly enhanced transfer efficiency of 98.7(1)% limited only by available laser intensity.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2024

Enhanced quantum control of individual ultracold molecules using optical tweezer arrays

Control over the quantum states of individual molecules is crucial in the quest to harness their rich internal structure and dipolar interactions for applications in quantum science. In this paper, we develop a toolbox of techniques for the control and readout of individually trapped polar molecules in an array of optical tweezers. Starting with arrays of up to eight Rb and eight Cs atoms, we assemble arrays of RbCs molecules in their rovibrational and hyperfine ground state with an overall efficiency of 48(2)%. We demonstrate global microwave control of multiple rotational states of the molecules and use an auxiliary tweezer array to implement site-resolved addressing and state control. We show how the rotational state of the molecule can be mapped onto the position of Rb atoms and use this capability to readout multiple rotational states in a single experimental run. Further, using a scheme for the mid-sequence detection of molecule formation errors, we perform rearrangement of assembled molecules to prepare small defect-free arrays. Finally, we discuss a feasible route to scaling to larger arrays of molecules.

physics.atom-ph↗

arXiv2024

Ultralong-range Cs-RbCs Rydberg molecules: non-adiabaticity of dipole moments

We consider ultralong-range polyatomic Rydberg molecules formed by combining a Rydberg cesium atom and a ground-state RbCs molecule. We explore the regime where the charge-dipole interaction due to the Rydberg electron with the diatomic polar molecule couples the quantum defect Rydberg states Cs(ns) to the nearest degenerate hydrogenic manifold. We consider polyatomic Rydberg molecules in states which are amenable to production in optical tweezers and study the influence of nonadiabatic coupling on the likelihood of their formation. The decay rates of the vibrational states reflect the interference signature of wave function spread in different coupled potential wells.

physics.atom-ph↗

arXiv2024

Quantum Computation and Quantum Simulation with Ultracold Molecules

Ultracold molecules confined in optical lattices or tweezer traps can be used to process quantum information and simulate the behaviour of many-body quantum systems. Molecules offer several advantages for these applications. They have a large set of stable states with strong transitions between them and long coherence times. They can be prepared in a chosen state with high fidelity, and the state populations can be measured efficiently. They have controllable long-range dipole-dipole interactions that can be used to entangle pairs of molecules and generate interesting many-body states. We review the advances that have been made and the challenges still to overcome, and describe the new ideas that will unlock the full potential of the field.

cond-mat.quant-gas↗

arXiv2023

An association sequence suitable for producing ground-state RbCs molecules in optical lattices

We identify a route for the production of $^{87}$Rb$^{133}$Cs molecules in the $\textrm{X} \, ^1Σ^+$ rovibronic ground state that is compatible with efficient mixing of the atoms in optical lattices. We first construct a model for the excited-state structure using constants found by fitting to spectroscopy of the relevant $\textrm{a} \, ^3Σ^+ \rightarrow \textrm{b} \, ^3Π_1$ transitions at 181.5 G and 217.1 G. We then compare the predicted transition dipole matrix elements from this model to those found for the transitions that have been successfully used for STIRAP at 181.5 G. We form molecules by magnetoassociation on a broad interspecies Feshbach resonance at 352.7 G and explore the pattern of Feshbach states near 305 G. This allows us to navigate to a suitable initial state for STIRAP by jumping across an avoided crossing with radiofrequency radiation. We identify suitable transitions for STIRAP at 305 G. We characterize these transitions experimentally and demonstrate STIRAP to a single hyperfine level of the ground state with a one-way efficiency of 85(4)%.

physics.atom-ph↗

arXiv2023

Second-scale rotational coherence and dipolar interactions in a gas of ultracold polar molecules

Ultracold polar molecules uniquely combine a rich structure of long-lived internal states with access to controllable long-range, anisotropic dipole-dipole interactions. In particular, the rotational states of polar molecules confined in optical tweezers or optical lattices may be used to encode interacting qubits for quantum computation or pseudo-spins for simulating quantum magnetism. As with all quantum platforms, the engineering of robust coherent superpositions of states is vital. However, for optically trapped molecules, the coherence time between rotational states is typically limited by inhomogeneous light shifts. Here we demonstrate a rotationally-magic optical trap for RbCs molecules that supports a Ramsey coherence time of 0.78(4) seconds in the absence of dipole-dipole interactions. This extends to >1.4 seconds at the 95% confidence level using a single spin-echo pulse. In our magic trap, dipolar interactions become the dominant mechanism by which Ramsey contrast is lost for superpositions that generate oscillating dipoles. By changing the states forming the superposition, we tune the effective dipole moment and show that the coherence time is inversely proportional to the strength of the dipolar interaction. Our work unlocks the full potential of the rotational degree of freedom in molecules for quantum computation and quantum simulation.

physics.atom-ph↗

arXiv2023

Long distance optical conveyor-belt transport of ultracold $^{133}$Cs and $^{87}$Rb atoms

We report on the transport of ultracold cesium and rubidium atoms over $37.2\,$cm in under $25\,$ms using an optical conveyor belt formed by two counter-propagating beams with a controllable frequency difference that generate a movable optical lattice. By carefully selecting the waists and focus positions, we are able to use two static Gaussian beams for the transport, avoiding the need for a Bessel beam or vari-focus lenses. We characterize the transport efficiency for both species, including a comparison of different transport trajectories, gaining insight into the loss mechanisms and finding the minimum jerk trajectory to be optimum. Using the optimized parameters, we are able to transport up to $7 \times 10^6$ cesium or rubidium atoms with an efficiency up to $75\,$%. To demonstrate the viability of our transport scheme for experiments employing quantum gas microscopy, we produce Bose-Einstein condensates of either species after transport and present measurements of the simultaneous transport of both species.

cond-mat.quant-gas↗

arXiv2023

Observation of Rydberg blockade due to the charge-dipole interaction between an atom and a polar molecule

We demonstrate Rydberg blockade due to the charge-dipole interaction between a single Rb atom and a single RbCs molecule confined in optical tweezers. The molecule is formed by magnetoassociation of a Rb+Cs atom pair and subsequently transferred to the rovibrational ground state with an efficiency of 91(1)\%. Species-specific tweezers are used to control the separation between the atom and molecule. The charge-dipole interaction causes blockade of the transition to the Rb(52s) Rydberg state, when the atom-molecule separation is set to $310(40)$~nm. The observed excitation dynamics are in good agreement with simulations using calculated interaction potentials. Our results open up the prospect of a hybrid platform where quantum information is transferred between individually trapped molecules using Rydberg atoms.

physics.atom-ph↗

arXiv2023

Formation of ultracold molecules by merging optical tweezers

We demonstrate the formation of a single RbCs molecule during the merging of two optical tweezers, one containing a single Rb atom and the other a single Cs atom. Both atoms are initially predominantly in the motional ground states of their respective tweezers. We confirm molecule formation and establish the state of the molecule formed by measuring its binding energy. We find that the probability of molecule formation can be controlled by tuning the confinement of the traps during the merging process, in good agreement with coupled-channel calculations. We show that the conversion efficiency from atoms to molecules using this technique is comparable to magnetoassociation.

physics.atom-ph↗