Towards quantum simulations of nonperturbative nuclear physics using neutral atom optical tweezer arrays

Neutral atoms trapped in arrays of optical tweezers have emerged as a leading platform in quantum information science. By pairing this versatile platform with the unique atomic structure of ytterbium (Yb) atoms, our work aims to construct a quantum simulation apparatus uniquely suited to perform simulations of quark-level effective field theories (EFTs) for quantum chromodynamics (QCD). EFTs can exhibit low-energy, emergent phenomena from QCD while remaining simple enough to implement on near-term quantum hardware. This talk presents experimental progress toward demonstrating the necessary tweezer array and atomic state manipulations necessary to implement quantum simulations of quark-like, strongly-interacting fermions with contact-like interactions, as in the Nambu—Jona-Lasinio model. Specifically, we will report on the realization of defect-free atom arrays, high-fidelity coherent manipulation of the ytterbium-171 nuclear spin and ¹S₀ to ³P₀ optical clock transition, and progress toward coupling to Rydberg states to realize strong, short-range interactions. We will also discuss the broader impacts of this work including applications in quantum communications.