Achieving High Filling of an Optical Lattice by Light-Assisted Redistribution of Atoms

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 $f \approx 0.5$. 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.