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Efficient and Compact Quantum Network Node Based on a Parabolic Mirror on an Optical Chip

A. Safari1,*, E. Oh1, P. Huft1,2, G. Chase1,3, J. Zhang1,4, and M. Saffman1

  • *Contact author: asafari@wisc.edu
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PRX Quantum 7, 033008 – Published 7 July, 2026

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1103/fhf3-3nzb

Abstract

We demonstrate a neutral atom networking node that combines high photon collection efficiency with high atom-photon entanglement fidelity in a compact, fiber-integrated platform. A parabolic mirror is used both to form the trap and to collect fluorescence from a single rubidium atom, intrinsically mode-matching σ polarized emitted photons to the fiber and rendering the system largely insensitive to small imperfections or drifts. The core optics consist of millimeter-scale components that are pre-aligned, rigidly bonded on a monolithic in-vacuum assembly, and interfaced entirely via optical fibers. With this design, we measure an overall photon collection and detection efficiency of 5%, from which we infer an overall collection efficiency of 9% after the single-mode fiber coupling. We generate atom-photon entangled states with a raw Bell-state fidelity of 0.93 and an inferred fidelity of 0.98 after correcting for atom readout errors. The same node design has been realized in two independent setups with comparable performance and is compatible with adding high-NA objective lenses to create and control atomic arrays at each node. Our results establish a robust, cavity-free neutral atom interface that operates near the limit set by the collection optics numerical aperture and provides a practical building block for scalable quantum network nodes and repeaters.

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Popular Summary

Entanglement between stationary and flying qubits is an essential capability for the distribution of information over quantum networks. In this work we demonstrate entanglement between rubidium atom qubits and photons. Using a pre-aligned in vacuum and fiber coupled node based on a parabolic mirror we achieve an order of magnitude higher efficiency collection of emitted photons, compared to previous experiments with neutral atoms in free space. The parabolic mirror focuses the light used to trap the atom and collects the emitted photon, thereby providing stable optical alignment. The observed atom-photon entanglement fidelity of 93% is comparable with previous demonstrations.

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PRX Quantum 7, 033008– Published 7 July, 2026
  • Received 3 February 2026
  • Accepted 9 June 2026
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Published by the American Physical Society under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International license. Further distribution of this work must maintain attribution to the author(s) and the published article’s title, journal citation, and DOI.

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