Cavity QED with Trapped Atoms for Quantum Optics and Quantum Information

J. Ye, David W. Vernooy, Harry J. Kimble

By integrating the techniques of laser cooling and trapping with those of cavity quantum electrodynamics (QED), single cesium atoms have been trapped within the mode of a small, high finesse optical cavity in a regime of strong coupling. The observed lifetime for individual atoms trapped within the cavity mode is $\ensuremath{\tau}\ensuremath{\approx}28\mathrm{ms}$, and is limited by fluctuations of light forces arising from the far-detuned intracavity field. This initial realization of trapped atoms in cavity QED should enable diverse protocols in quantum information science.

Michael J. Gibbons, Chung-Yu Shih, Soo Kim +1 more

Harry J. Kimble

Cavity quantum electrodynamics (QED) offers powerful possibilities for the deterministic control of atom-photon interactions quantum by quantum [1]. Indeed, modern experiments in cavity QED have achieved the exceptional circumstance of strong coupling, for which single quanta can profoundly impact the dynamics of the atom-cavity system. The diverse accomplishments of this field set the stage for advances into yet broader frontiers in quantum information science for which cavity QED offers unique advantages, such as the realization of quantum networks by way of multiple atom-cavity systems linked by optical interconnects [2,3].

S. J. van Enk, Harry J. Kimble, Hideo Mabuchi

S. J. van Enk, Harry J. Kimble, Hideo Mabuchi

Michael Chapman, Li You, Kennedy, T. A.

The principle goal of our program is the demonstration of scalable quantum logic between qubits encoded in the internal states of neutral atoms sharing the quantum field of an optical cavity. This requires successful integration of two leading quantum information technologies atom-based quantum memories and cavity QED-based entanglement generation and manipulation. We have developed methods for trapping atoms inside high-finesse optical resonators for scalable quantum logic. Our configuration employs infrared (CO2) laser traps for individual atoms that will permit us to store many individually addressable atoms and to manipulate these atoms in arbitrary combinations using the quantum field of the optical cavity. Importantly, the use of infrared trapping lasers virtually eliminates decoherence due to atomic spontaneous emission, which hinders many AMO-based systems.