Rydberg quantum antennas for chip-interfaced single-photon source array

arXiv:2609.20172 · quant-ph · Submitted 2026-07-23 · Read on arXiv

quant-ph

Submitted: 2026-07-23

Updated: 2026-07-23

Comments: 7 pages, 3 figures

License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

The gist: We propose a Rydberg quantum antenna, consisting of a one-dimensional chain of neutral atoms trapped in a standing-wave optical tweezer, as a chip-interfaced single-photon source.

Terminology

Abstract

We propose a Rydberg quantum antenna, consisting of a one-dimensional chain of neutral atoms trapped in a standing-wave optical tweezer, as a chip-interfaced single-photon source. Rydberg blockade induces a single collective excitation in the atomic chain, while its ordered geometry shapes the photon emission into a directional beam, thereby realizing a quantum antenna that emits strictly one photon at a time. Through numerical simulations, we demonstrate single-photon collection efficiencies into a waveguide exceeding 70% through a high-NA lens with a negligible multiple excitation probability. These performance are robust against probabilistic atom loading in the standing-wave dipole traps, requiring only ten atoms, indicating experimental feasibility. The Rydberg quantum antenna thus offers a unique route toward scalable arrays of high-efficiency, high-purity, and identical single-photon sources interfaced with a photonic chip, addressing key challenges in photonic quantum information technology.

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