• Accepted Paper

Achieving high filling of an optical lattice by light-assisted redistribution of atoms

Lauren Weiss, Evan Yamaguchi, Claire Pritts, Tadej Mežnaršič, and Cheng Chin

Phys. Rev. Research - Accepted 19 October, 2026

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1103/nwxy-sr1z

Abstract

Scalable arrays of individual atoms provide an ideal starting point for quantum information and simulation experiments. However, their preparation is often limited by light-assisted collisions (LACs), which typically result in parity-projected filling fractions of f≈0.5. In this work we demonstrate a light-assisted redistribution process in the Quantum Matter Synthesizer that overcomes this constraint by stochastically moving atoms from multiply-occupied lattice sites to neighboring vacant sites. Using a blue-detuned optical pumping beam during degenerate Raman sideband cooling, we achieve single-atom filling fractions of 70−80%. We find that over 50% of the atoms involved in radiative collisions are retained in the lattice. The redistribution process involves many LACs over an extended time as atoms diffuse to empty sites. Our demonstration offers a scalable and efficient pathway toward unity-filled atom arrays without the need for complex rearrangement protocols, with broad applicability to quantum simulation, precision measurements, and quantum information control.

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