Neutral Atoms for Quantum Registers

Individually trapped neutral atoms are one of the most promising candidates for long-term storage of quantum information. We are realizing a neutral atom register using a 1-dimensional optical lattice to confine ultracold $^{87}$Rb atoms. A high gradient MOT can collect a small number of atoms, which we transfer to an optical lattice. The atoms are imaged and individually counted by a high resolution CCD camera. We will discuss our experiments, as well as our strategies for generating atom-atom and atom-photon entanglements using high finesse cavities.