Quantum memory for nonstationary light fields based on controlled reversible inhomogeneous broadening (original) (raw)

Analysis of a quantum memory for photons based on controlled reversible inhomogeneous broadening

Physical Review A, 2007

We present a detailed analysis of a quantum memory for photons based on controlled and reversible inhomogeneous broadening (CRIB). The explicit solution of the equations of motion is obtained in the weak excitation regime, making it possible to gain insight into the dependence of the memory efficiency on the optical depth, and on the width and shape of the atomic spectral distributions. We also study a simplified memory protocol which does not require any optical control fields.

Optical quantum memory with generalized time-reversible atom–light interaction

New Journal of Physics, 2011

We examine a quantum memory scheme based on controllable dephasing of atomic coherence of a non-resonant, inhomogeneously broadened Raman transition. We show that it generalizes the physical conditions for time-reversible interaction between light and atomic ensembles from weak to strong fields and from linear to non-linear interactions. We also develop a unified framework for different realizations exploiting either controlled reversible inhomogeneous broadening or atomic frequency combs, and discuss new aspects related to storage and manipulation of quantum states.

Deterministic and Storable Single-Photon Source Based on a Quantum Memory

Physical Review Letters, 2006

A single photon source is realized with a cold atomic ensemble ( 87 Rb atoms). In the experiment, single photons, which is initially stored in an atomic quantum memory generated by Raman scattering of a laser pulse, can be emitted deterministically at a time-delay in control. It is shown that production rate of single photons can be enhanced by a feedback circuit considerably while the single-photon quality is conserved. Thus our present single-photon source is well suitable for future large-scale realization of quantum communication and linear optical quantum computation.

Towards A Quantum Memory For Non-Classical Light With Cold Atomic Ensembles

2010

Abstract A reversible quantum memory allowing us to store and retrieve quantum information serves as a key necessity for implementing many of novel quantum information protocols. As light serves as a reliable long-range carrier of quantum information, and atoms offer the possibility of long storage times, current attempts at creating quantum memories focus on the transfer of the quantum fluctuations of light onto atomic coherences.

Light qubit storage and retrieval using macroscopic atomic ensembles

Physical Review A, 2006

We present an experimentally feasible protocol for the complete storage and retrieval of arbitrary light states in an atomic quantum memory using the well-established Faraday interaction between light and matter. Our protocol relies on multiple passages of a single light pulse through the atomic ensemble without the impractical requirement of kilometer long delay lines between the passages. Furthermore, we introduce a time dependent interaction strength which enables storage and retrieval of states with arbitrary pulse shapes. The fidelity approaches unity exponentially without squeezed or entangled initial states, as illustrated by explicit calculations for a photonic qubit.

Quantum memory for light

Physical Review A, 2000

We propose an efficient method for mapping and storage of a quantum state of propagating light in atoms. The quantum state of the light pulse is stored in two sublevels of the ground state of a macroscopic atomic ensemble by activating a synchronized Raman coupling between the light and atoms. We discuss applications of the proposal in quantum information processing and in atomic clocks operating beyond quantum limits of accuracy. The possibility of transferring the atomic state back on light via teleportation is also discussed. 42.50.Lc, 42.50.Dv, 42.50.Ct, 06.30.Ft Light is an ideal carrier of quantum information, but photons are difficult to store for a long time. In order to implement a storage device for quantum information transmitted as a light signal, it is necessary to faithfully map the quantum state of the light pulse onto a medium with low dissipation, allowing for storage of this quantum state. Depending on the particular application of the memory, the next step may be either a (delayed) measurement projecting the state onto a certain basis, or further processing of the stored quantum state, e.g., after a read-out via the teleportation process. The delayed projection measurement is relevant for the security of various quantum cryptography and bit commitment schemes [1]. The teleportation read-out is relevant for full scale quantum computing.

Highly-efficient quantum memory for polarization qubits in a spatially-multiplexed cold atomic ensemble

Nature Communications

Quantum memory for flying optical qubits is a key enabler for a wide range of applications in quantum information. A critical figure of merit is the overall storage and retrieval efficiency. So far, despite the recent achievements of efficient memories for light pulses, the storage of qubits has suffered from limited efficiency. Here we report on a quantum memory for polarization qubits that combines an average conditional fidelity above 99% and efficiency around 68%, thereby demonstrating a reversible qubit mapping where more information is retrieved than lost. The qubits are encoded with weak coherent states at the single-photon level and the memory is based on electromagnetically-induced transparency in an elongated laser-cooled ensemble of cesium atoms, spatially multiplexed for dual-rail storage. This implementation preserves high optical depth on both rails, without compromise between multiplexing and storage efficiency. Our work provides an efficient node for future tests of quantum network functionalities and advanced photonic circuits.

Towards high-speed optical quantum memories

2010

Quantum memories, capable of controllably storing and releasing a photon, are a crucial component for quantum computers [1] and quantum communications . So far, quantum memories have operated with bandwidths that limit data rates to MHz. Here we report the coherent storage and retrieval of sub-nanosecond low intensity light pulses with spectral bandwidths exceeding 1 GHz in cesium vapor. The novel memory interaction takes place via a far off-resonant two-photon transition in which the memory bandwidth is dynamically generated by a strong control field . This allows for an increase in data rates by a factor of almost 1000 compared to existing quantum memories. The memory works with a total efficiency of 15% and its coherence is demonstrated by directly interfering the stored and retrieved pulses. Coherence times in hot atomic vapors are on the order of microseconds [9] -the expected storage time limit for this memory.

Quantum Repeaters with Photon Pair Sources and Multimode Memories

Physical Review Letters, 2007

We propose a quantum repeater protocol which builds on the well-known DLCZ protocol [L.M. Duan, M.D. Lukin, J.I. Cirac, and P. Zoller, Nature 414, 413 (2001)], but which uses photon pair sources in combination with memories that allow to store a large number of temporal modes. We suggest to realize such multi-mode memories based on the principle of photon echo, using solids doped with rare-earth ions. The use of multimode memories promises a speedup in entanglement generation by several orders of magnitude and a significant reduction in stability requirements compared to the DLCZ protocol.