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arXiv:1412.2889 · Reviews of Modern Physics

Cavity-based quantum networks with single atoms and optical photons

Andreas Reiserer, Gerhard Rempe

Published Dec 1, 2015• 1,004 citations
arXivHTMLPDF

Abstract

A vision has formed in recent years of the components necessary for a large-scale quantum network. Single trapped atoms can serve as the nodes of this network, with the links established by flying photons that are coupled to the atoms using optical resonators. This review describes progress towards the goal of multinode networks using the current generation of experiments, which have achieved unprecedented levels of atomic qubit control and light-matter coupling efficiencies.

DOI
10.1103/revmodphys.87.1379

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Recent years have witnessed astounding progress in the ability to control quantum systems making the vision to create working quantum networks more realistic than ever. A key component in any quantum network is certainly the interface between stationary and flying carriers of information. One avenue towards a reliable interface makes use of macroscopic atomic ensembles to distribute fragile quantum states over many particles. We review here our experiments and recent progress with atomic samples in different temperature regimes and with non-classical light sources of suitable spectral characteristics for efficient coupling to atomic ensembles.
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