Storing photons in a Quantum Gas Microscope

Quantum gas microscopes enable exploration of sub- and superradiance in ordered atomic arrays with single emitter resolution. Using erbium atoms in a subwavelength optical lattice, we realize a geometrically ordered, extended system where emission arises from a network of photon-mediated interactions rather than a single Dicke mode.

We observe strong sub- and superradiant behavior with site-resolved imaging, directly tracking the buildup of spatial correlations. Superradiance exhibits extensive scaling, revivals, and signatures of ferromagnetic (superradiant) and antiferromagnetic (subradiant) correlations, establishing a programmable platform for dissipative many-body dynamics.

Building on these advances, ongoing efforts focus on a super- and subradiant quantum repeater and memory. Directional superradiant modes enable efficient photon capture and retrieval: an incoming photon is injected into the array and stored by rapidly transferring it into a long-lived subradiant state. Retrieval is achieved by reversing this mapping, restoring a superradiant mode for directional emission and collecting the photon with an in-vacuum lens.