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We are setting up the first lasers and furniture and we are waiting for the atomic source: it's starting to look like a lab! |
LAST NEWS
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In the Sr Rydberg lab, we have successfully trapped individual Strontium atoms using a one-dimensional array of optical tweezers. The video demonstrates a sequence of experimental cycles, during which the presence of atoms is detected via fluorescence imaging. After loading multiple atoms in each optical tweezer, the occupancy is reduced to either zero or one atom exploiting a light-assisted collision mechanism which expels pairs of atoms. On average, we achieve 40% single-atom occupancy, with atoms randomly distributed across the array, as shown in the video. This work is a significant step towards the preparation of defect-free arrays of single atoms in optical tweezers, which will be the starting point for future quantum simulation experiments. |
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The Hall effect is a cornerstone of modern science, spanning applications from cutting-edge technologies to the discovery of exotic topological phases of matter. In solid-state systems, it manifests as a voltage perpendicular to current flow in a magnetic field, giving rise to transverse Hall resistance. Yet, its behavior in quantum systems remains elusive. Using neutral-atom quantum simulators, we introduce the first direct measurement of Hall voltage and resistance in a non-electron-based system. This work links quantum simulations to real-world experiments, unlocking new avenues to explore the Hall effect in tunable, strongly correlated systems. T.-W. Zhou et al. |
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Since 2015, the Friends of Sara Lapi Association has established a Degree Award named after Sara in collaboration with the University of Florence and in particular with the "Ugo Schiff" Department of Chemistry at the Scientific Center of Sesto Fiorentino. This year's award goes to Niccolò Preti for his thesis "Towards dipolar quantum gases in a ring". Well done! more info |
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We’ve successfully integrated the 679nm and 707nm lasers into our experiment. They improve the blue and red mot stages by closing two decay channels, leading to a factor of 10 increase in density that is helpful to move forward with our optical tweezers. Stay tuned for the next update! |