A telecom quantum network node based on neutral atom arrays and nanophotonic crystal cavities.

A scalable quantum network architecture requires nodes that can generate high-fidelity remote entanglement, have telecom operation, processing capability, and the ability to interact with other qubit systems. Neutral atoms in optical tweezers have emerged as a promising platform that satisfies many of these requirements. Quantum simulation experiments and gate-based quantum computation have been demonstrated with neutral atom arrays, while entanglement distribution have been demonstrated with single atom nodes. However, integrating all these into a single platform that operates at telecom remains an outstanding challenge. Here, I will show our progress toward developing a telecom quantum network node using neutral atom arrays trapped next to nanophotonic crystal cavities. I will discuss our protocol for generating atom-photon entangled states, using excited state telecom transitions, and our experimental advances in achieving strong coupling between the atom and the cavity field. Our approach opens a direct pathway toward a scalable architecture by combining an array of atoms with an array of nanophotonic devices, and in connecting with other qubit systems.