title: Coupling a single trapped atom to a nanoscale optical cavity.
abstract: Hybrid quantum devices, in which dissimilar quantum systems are combined in order to attain qualities not available with either system alone, may enable far-reaching control in quantum measurement, sensing, and information processing. A paradigmatic example is trapped ultracold atoms, which offer excellent quantum coherent properties, coupled to nanoscale solid-state systems, which allow for strong interactions. We demonstrate a deterministic interface between a single trapped rubidium atom and a nanoscale photonic crystal cavity. Precise control over the atom's position allows us to probe the cavity near-field with a resolution below the diffraction limit and to observe large atom-photon coupling. This approach may enable the realization of integrated, strongly coupled quantum nano-optical circuits.
authors.affiliation: Department of Physics, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA.
authors.forename: J D
authors.initials: JD
authors.lastname: Thompson
authors.forename: T G
authors.initials: TG
authors.lastname: Tiecke
authors.forename: N P
authors.initials: NP
authors.lastname: de Leon
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Feist
authors.forename: A V
authors.initials: AV
authors.lastname: Akimov
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Gullans
authors.forename: A S
authors.initials: AS
authors.lastname: Zibrov
authors.forename: V
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Vuletić
authors.forename: M D
authors.initials: MD
authors.lastname: Lukin