Challenges
Datasets
Workspaces
Papers
Discussions
Leaderboard
Log inSign up
Challenges
Datasets
Workspaces
Papers
Discussions
Leaderboard
Blog
Job Board
Q3AS

© 2026 Aqora Quantum S.A.S.

TermsPrivacyLegal Notice

arXiv:1406.4049 · Physical Review A

Quantum interference in the absorption and emission of single photons by a single ion

Michael Schug, Christoph Kurz, Pascal Eich, Jan Huwer, Philipp Müller, Jürgen Eschner

Published Aug 15, 2014• 14 citations
arXivHTMLPDF

Abstract

High-contrast quantum beats in the single-photon scattering probability of a single atomic ion are experimentally observed and controlled, highlighting two distinct physical mechanisms, the interference in absorption and in emission.
DOI
10.1103/physreva.90.023829

Related papers

Quantum interference in absorption and emission of single photons by a single ion

Michael Schug, Christoph Kurz, Pascal Eich +3 more

We generate phase-controlled quantum beats in Raman scattering of single photons from a single 40Ca+ ion, showing that Λ- and V-shaped level arrangements lead to quantum interference of absorption and emission amplitudes, respectively.

Research in Optical Sciences•Jan 1, 2014•1 citation

Quantum interference between two single photons emitted by independently trapped atoms

J. Beugnon, M. P. A. Jones, J. Dingjan +4 more

arXiv:quant-ph/0610149•Nature•Apr 1, 2006•323 citations

Coherent Control of Single-Photon Absorption and Reemission in a Two-Level Atomic Ensemble

Shanchao Zhang, Chang Liu, Shuyu Zhou +3 more

We demonstrate coherent control of single-photon absorption and reemission in a two-level cold atomic ensemble. This is achieved by interfering the incident single-photon wave packet with the emission (or scattering) wave. For a photon with an exponential growth waveform with a time constant equal to the excited-state lifetime, we observe that the single-photon emission probability during the absorption can be suppressed due to the perfect destructive interference. After the incident photon waveform is switched off, the absorbed photon is then reemitted to the same spatial mode as that of the incident photon with an efficiency of 20%. For a photon with an exponential decay waveform with the same time constant, both the absorption and reemission occur within the waveform duration. Our experimental results suggest that the absorption and emission of a single photon in a two-level atomic ensemble may possibly be manipulated by shaping its waveform in the time domain.

Physical Review Letters•Dec 27, 2012•70 citations

Two photon quantum interference of light emitted by two ions

Peter Maunz, M. J. Madsen, David L. Moehring +3 more

Bulletin of the American Physical Society•May 18, 2006•0 citations

Quantum beats from separated atoms excited by correlated photons

Mark P. Silverman

Entangled multiparticle quantum states cannot be expressed as a product of singleparticle states; they can give rise to correlations between separated particles unaccountable within the framework of classical physics and are of considerable interest to those concerned with the foundations of quantum mechanics. Two separated identical atoms having, for example, two excited levels with energy interval h12 are brought into an entangled linear superposition of excited states by absorption of two correlated photons. The quantum description of either atom alone shows incoherently populated excited states; the single-atom emission probability shows no quantum interference. However, the joint probability for fluorescent emission manifests, as a function of the time interval between radiative decay of both atoms, quantum beats1 at frequency 12. This quantum interference is insensitive to atomic motion and atomic density, and it can be engendered by photons whose spectral widths are smaller than the beat frequency.

Annual Meeting Optical Society of America•Jan 1, 1990•0 citations

Quantum interference of photon pairs from two remote trapped atomic ions

Peter Maunz, David L. Moehring, Steven Olmschenk +3 more

arXiv:quant-ph/0608047•Nature Physics•Jun 10, 2007•268 citations
We demonstrate coherent control of single-photon absorption and reemission in a two-level cold atomic ensemble. This is achieved by interfering the incident single-photon wave packet with the emission (or scattering) wave. For a photon with an exponential growth waveform with a time constant equal to the excited-state lifetime, we observe that the single-photon emission probability during the absorption can be suppressed due to the perfect destructive interference. After the incident photon waveform is switched off, the absorbed photon is then reemitted to the same spatial mode as that of the incident photon with an efficiency of 20%. For a photon with an exponential decay waveform with the same time constant, both the absorption and reemission occur within the waveform duration. Our experimental results suggest that the absorption and emission of a single photon in a two-level atomic ensemble may possibly be manipulated by shaping its waveform in the time domain.
Entangled multiparticle quantum states cannot be expressed as a product of singleparticle states; they can give rise to correlations between separated particles unaccountable within the framework of classical physics and are of considerable interest to those concerned with the foundations of quantum mechanics. Two separated identical atoms having, for example, two excited levels with energy interval h12 are brought into an entangled linear superposition of excited states by absorption of two correlated photons. The quantum description of either atom alone shows incoherently populated excited states; the single-atom emission probability shows no quantum interference. However, the joint probability for fluorescent emission manifests, as a function of the time interval between radiative decay of both atoms, quantum beats1 at frequency 12. This quantum interference is insensitive to atomic motion and atomic density, and it can be engendered by photons whose spectral widths are smaller than the beat frequency.