Studies of the ${}^1$S${}_0$--${}^3$P${}_0$ transition in atomic ytterbium for optical clocks and qubit arrays

Abstract

We report an observation of the weak $6^1$S${}_0$-$6^3$P${}_0$ transition in ${}^{171,173}$Yb as an important step to establish Yb as a primary candidate for future optical frequency standards, and to open up a new approach for qubits using the ${}^1$S${}_0$ and ${}^3$P${}_0$ states of Yb atoms in an optical lattice.

5 pages, 3 figures