Quantum optics with solid-state atom-like systems

Ataç İmamoğlu

Elizabeth A. Goldschmidt

Rare-earth atoms in solids are an attractive candidate system for quantum optics due to their long coherence times and solid-state nature. We study the impact of inhomogeneous broadening on coherent optical processes in such systems.

A.S. Shumovsky

T. G. Tiecke, Jeff D. Thompson, Johannes Feist +4 more

We describe and demonstrate a method to deterministically trap single atoms near nanoscale solid-state objects. The trap is formed by the interference of an optical tweezer and its reflection from the nano object, creating a one-dimensional optical lattice where the first lattice site is at z0 ∼ λ/4 from the surface. Using a tapered optical fiber as the nanoscopic object, we characterize the loading into different lattice sites by means of the AC-Stark shift induced by a guided fiber mode. We demonstrate a loading efficiency of 94(6)% into the first lattice site, and measure the cooperativity for the emission of the atom into the guided mode of the nanofiber. We show that by tailoring the dimensions of the nanofiber the distance of the trap to the surface can be adjusted. This method is applicable to a large variety of nanostructures and represents a promising starting point for interfacing single atoms with arbitrary nanoscale solid-state systems.

David Petrosyan, Guy Bensky, Gershon Kurizki +3 more

We examine the possibility of coherent reversible information transfer between solid-state superconducting qubits and ensembles of ultracold atoms. Strong coupling between these systems is mediated by a microwave transmission line resonator that interacts near resonantly with the atoms via their optically excited Rydberg states. The solid-state qubits can then be used to implement rapid quantum logic gates, while collective metastable states of the atoms can be employed for long-term storage and optical readout of quantum information.

Y. Yamamoto