Progress towards a compact apparatus for atom array integration with photonic circuits

Integrating atoms with photonic crystals enables engineered atom–photon interactions, providing access to the strong atom–light coupling regime and opening up opportunities for exploring quantum many-body physics with long-range interactions.  We present our work towards a new experimental apparatus for atom array integration with a photonic-integrated circuit hosting, for example, two-dimensional photonic crystals. Our system utilizes a modular design for fast photonic chip replacement and stable cold atom source in an ultra-high vacuum environment. Our science cell permits projection of optical tweezer arrays on and through a photonic circuit. Our versatile and flexible approach to integrating atoms with photonic circuits has the potential to advance studies of many-body quantum optics and the development of quantum technologies.