Quantum sensing and quantum optics with ultra-cold atoms

We currently find ourselves amidst the second quantum revolution, which seeks to translate quantum research into technological advancements across a wide spectrum of fields, encompassing sensing, computing, and communications. Among the various quantum systems, cold atomic vapor stands out as a leading platform in numerous groundbreaking experiments. Nonetheless, miniaturizing a cold atomic system often comes at the cost of reduced performance, thereby restricting its practical applications. In the first part of this talk, I will outline our endeavors in miniaturizing a cold-atom laboratory within a hollow-core photonic crystal fiber, while preserving its operational excellence. This work holds the potential to open new avenues for short-distance quantum sensing.
 
In the latter part of this presentation, I will showcase our research in the realm of quantum optics involving mechanical atomic oscillators within optical lattices. This includes generating Schrödinger cat states, achieving instantaneous quantum squeezing that defies the quantum speed limit, and realizing two-mode squeezed states. These outcomes offer promising insights into quantum sensing and the utilization of continuous-variable quantum information within noisy harmonic oscillators.