Programmable Quantum Walks in Optical Tweezers Arrays

Optical tweezers arrays are emerging as a versatile platform for emulating itinerant quantum systems, combining programmable geometries and ultra-low-entropy initial-state preparation. Here, we demonstrate coherent quantum walks by a single Strontium atom in a 1D tunnel-coupled tweezers array. Preparing a localized initial state and tracking the unitary expansion of the quantum walker's state across the underlying tweezer-defined lattice provides a calibration of the system's tunneling. Building on these benchmarks, we describe our progress towards realizing our next-generation Erbium tweezer-defined lattice experiment. These results highlight the potential to achieve and characterize Hubbard-regime tweezers arrays, addressing regimes central to quantum simulation.