10/7-9 Bordeaux Lab-tour Report
Asano Reiji ( Takahashi-group, Kyoto University )

I visited the laboratories of several research groups in Institut d’Optique and AeroDIODE in Bordeaux, France. Learning about a range of interesting studies using cold atoms broadened my perspective on their applications beyond quantum computing. 

The visit also helped me gain a better understanding of the internal design and operating principles of the commercial laser modules that we use as light sources in our experiments. Since laser performances strongly influence the fidelity of qubit gate operations in neutral-atom quantum computers, this was a valuable opportunity to deepen my understanding of a topic directly relevant to our research. 

I learned a great deal about the architecture of laser systems incorporating fiber amplifiers. We use an ultraviolet laser source for Rydberg excitation in our experiments, and the visit prompted me to consider how this knowledge might be applied to our own laser system. 

Through discussions and demonstrations, I also gained insight into optical fiber processing techniques, which are essential for building cold atom experimental setups. I was impressed to see Japanese-made fiber splicers and optical spectrum analyzers being used in research and development outside Japan. 

I am deeply grateful to everyone who made this valuable and rewarding visit possible.