Single Atoms with 6000-Second Trapping Lifetimes in Optical-Tweezer Arrays at Cryogenic Temperatures

We report on the trapping of single Rb atoms in tunable arrays of optical tweezers in a cryogenic environment at approximately 4 K. We describe the design and construction of the experimental apparatus, based on a custom-made UHV-compatible closed-cycle cryostat with optical access. We demonstrate the trapping of single atoms in cryogenic arrays of optical tweezers, with lifetimes up to 6000 s, despite the fact that the vacuum system has not been baked out. These results open the way to large arrays of single atoms with extended coherence, for applications in large-scale quantum simulation of many-body systems and, more generally, in quantum science and technology.