Statistics

Rydberg atom

Quantum entanglement

Physics

Embedded system

Quantum information

Quantum network

Schrödinger's cat

Ionization

Qubit

Realization (probability)

Mathematics

Computer science

Atom (system on chip)

Quantum mechanics

Rydberg formula

Quantum

Quantum teleportation

Quantum metrology

Science

Quantum entanglement involving coherent superpositions of macroscopically distinct states is among the most striking features of quantum theory, but its realization is challenging, since such states are extremely fragile. Using a programmable quantum simulator based on neutral atom arrays with interactions mediated by Rydberg states, we demonstrate the deterministic generation of 'Schr\"odinger cat' states of the Greenberger-Horne-Zeilinger (GHZ) type with up to 20 qubits. Our approach is based on engineering the energy spectrum and using optimal control of the many-body system. We further demonstrate entanglement manipulation by using GHZ states to distribute entanglement to distant sites in the array, establishing important ingredients for quantum information processing and quantum metrology.

Generation and manipulation of Schrödinger cat states in Rydberg atom arrays