Atomic memory for correlated photon states

Science. 2003 Jul 11;301(5630):196-200. doi: 10.1126/science.1085946. Epub 2003 May 22.

Abstract

We experimentally demonstrate emission of two quantum-mechanically correlated light pulses with a time delay that is coherently controlled via temporal storage of photonic states in an ensemble of rubidium atoms. The experiment is based on Raman scattering, which produces correlated pairs of spin-flipped atoms and photons, followed by coherent conversion of the atomic states into a different photon beam after a controllable delay. This resonant nonlinear optical process is a promising technique for potential applications in quantum communication.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Lasers
  • Photons*
  • Quantum Theory*
  • Rubidium*
  • Scattering, Radiation
  • Spectrum Analysis, Raman*
  • Spin Labels
  • Time Factors

Substances

  • Spin Labels
  • Rubidium