Atoms trapped in close proximity to optical resonators provides a powerful tool for exploring atom light interactions and their quantum applications. In this work I will describe the development of a neutral atom quantum simulator that implements trapped cesium atoms which have been localized via optical tweezers in close proximity to the surface of a micro-ring resonator fabricated on the surface of an optical chip. The small separation between the cavity and the atom allows for relatively large atom photon coupling strength g on the order of a few hundred MHz. Coupling multiple atoms to a common nanophotonic mode provides a channel through which atoms can exchange virtual photons for the study of long range spin exchange and other quantum many body models.
This platform has proven to be extremely versatile. We have thus far successfully demonstrated our ability to trap and image individual atoms directly above the surface of our photonic chips as well as the ability to extend trapping and imaging to arrays of tweezer traps which can be loaded with one or more atoms with high probability. Due to the simplified fabrication process of our planar geometry photonic chips we have been able to rapidly prototype and evolve our system to facilitate new and improved methods of trapping atoms near the surface of our nanophotonic structure. In the following I will discuss the development of our apparatus, our current progress observing signatures of atom-cavity coupling, and some of our future goals we are approaching.