Researchers at the University of Chicago have developed a straightforward method to produce complex entangled quantum states using basic adjustments in optical cavity systems. The approach relies on existing laboratory tools and could advance quantum sensing applications. Their findings appear in a recent issue of Physical Review X.
A team at the University of Chicago Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering proposed the technique, which involves shifting the excited state energies of atom groups inside an optical cavity. This reduces system symmetry while keeping the setup controllable, allowing a range of highly entangled states to form. “We wanted to take simple ingredients that you find in a lot of physical platforms and put these together in a minimal way to get something interesting, complex and powerful,” said Aashish Clerk, professor of molecular engineering and senior author of the study. The method supports quantum sensing by enabling measurement of field gradients with built-in noise resistance. It can also stabilize states such as the AKLT state, previously studied for magnetic materials and potential quantum computing uses. The work stays theoretical at present, with plans for experimental tests underway. The research received support from Q-NEXT, a U.S. Department of Energy National Quantum Information Science Research Center.