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Experimental progress of cavity quantum electrodynamics in t he optical domain

T. Zhang

Published Jan 1, 2003• 0 citations
OpenAlex

Abstract

A cavity quantum electrodynamics (QED ) system is one of very few physically realizable systems which can help us to u nderstand quantum effects and reveal the interaction dynamics of atoms and optic al fields. The strongly coupled atom-photon interaction can provide a realizati on of a quantum logic gate for quantum information processing. We introduce the basic ideas of cavity QED, its recent progress and future prospects.

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Cavity quantum electrodynamics(C-QED)is an experimental system to study the quantum behavior of interaction between atoms and photons.The strong coupling C-QED experiments have provided a tool to realize the quantum logic gate for quantum communications.We briefly introduce the basic ideas of C-QED and its recent status.

Journal of Shanxi University•Jan 1, 2002•0 citations

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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].

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Cambridge University Press eBooks•Jan 6, 2012•0 citations

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Recent experimental advances in the field of cavity quantum electrodynamics (QED) have opened new possibilities for control of atom‐photon interactions. A laser with “one and the same atom” demonstrates the theory of laser operation pressed to its conceptual limit. The generation of single photons on demand and the realization of cavity QED with well defined atomic numbers N = 0, 1, 2,… both represent important steps toward realizing diverse protocols in quantum information science. Coherent manipulation of the atomic state via Raman transitions provides a new tool in cavity QED for in situ monitoring and control of the atom‐cavity system. All of these achievements share a common point of departure: the regime of strong coupling. It is thus interesting to consider briefly the history of the strong coupling criterion in cavity QED and to trace out the path that research has taken in the pursuit of this goal.

AIP conference proceedings•Jan 1, 2005•3 citations

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Cavity quantum electrodynamics (QED), the system of a single atom interacting with a single mode of a high finesse optical resonator, has tremendous potential for use in quantum logic, quantum information processing, and in enabling observation of quantum mechanical effects in the laboratory. The work of this thesis demonstrates a number of steps toward realizing these goals, by employing an experimental system with the strongest atom-field coupling achieved to date in optical cavity QED. The effects of strong coupling in cavity QED are studied for single cold atoms measured one at a time, in real time. The passage of single atoms through the cavity is employed to map out the frequency response of the system, and to demonstrate that quantum rather than semiclassical theory provides the correct theoretical model. The mechanical effects of strong coupling on single atoms are explored, these experiments demonstrating the first trapping of single atoms with single photons. Additionally, strong coupling enables high signal-to-noise ratio for monitoring atomic position at single photon field strengths; this capability is employed to investigate the motion of atoms trapped within the cavity. The transmitted cavity field is used to reconstruct the trajectories of single atoms, thereby realizing a new form of microscopy - the Atom-Cavity Microscope. Technical developments necessary to create the cavities used in this experiment are detailed. Ideas for future extensions to the experiment are proposed; a zero light-shift dipole force trap, and measurement of photon statistics of a single strongly coupled atom (which realizes a photon blockade device) are discussed.

•Nov 1, 2000•16 citations

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Harry J. Kimble

An important development in modern physics is the emerging capability for investigations of dynamical processes for open quantum systems in a regime of strong coupling for which individual quanta play a decisive role. Of particular significance in this context is research in cavity quantum electrodynamics which explores quantum dynamical processes for individual atoms strongly coupled to the electromagnetic field of a resonator. An overview of the research activities in the Quantum Optics Group at Caltech is presented with an emphasis on strong coupling in cavity QED which enables exploration of a new regime of nonlinear optics with single atoms and photons.

Physica Scripta•Jan 1, 1998•559 citations
A cavity quantum electrodynamics (QED ) system is one of very few physically realizable systems which can help us to u nderstand quantum effects and reveal the interaction dynamics of atoms and optic al fields. The strongly coupled atom-photon interaction can provide a realizati on of a quantum logic gate for quantum information processing. We introduce the basic ideas of cavity QED, its recent progress and future prospects.
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].
Cavity quantum electrodynamics (cavity QED) describes the interactions of single atoms and single photons in a resonator. In the laboratory, state-of-the-art experiments are able to observe the dynamics of these simple yet fundamental quantum systems. The recent development of quantum information science has also introduced a new role for cavity QED systems as quantum interfaces, in which information can be coherently mapped between photonic and atomic quantum bits. Groundbreaking optical cavity QED experiments in the past twenty years would not have been possible without the technological development of mirror coatings with extremely low scatter and absorption losses. Thermal noise has typically played a smaller role in cavity QED experiments but in certain instances is nevertheless important to consider. In this chapter, we begin with an overview of optical cavity QED experiments and some of the central questions that they address. It is hoped that this description, while by no means exhaustive, will provide a window for the nonspecialist into basic techniques and motivations in the field. We then turn to focus on the roles played by scattering and absorption loss and mechanical loss. We discuss how these losses have set limits on feasible experiments and the extent to which improvements may be possible. Experimental realizations of cavity QED systems An idealized cavity QED system consists of one atom placed between two highly reflective mirrors (Figure 17.1). In this model, a single atomic transition interacts with photons in a single cavity mode; the atom is often pictured at an antinode of the cavity standing wave, where it has a maximal dipole interaction with the cavity field.
Recent experimental advances in the field of cavity quantum electrodynamics (QED) have opened new possibilities for control of atom‐photon interactions. A laser with “one and the same atom” demonstrates the theory of laser operation pressed to its conceptual limit. The generation of single photons on demand and the realization of cavity QED with well defined atomic numbers N = 0, 1, 2,… both represent important steps toward realizing diverse protocols in quantum information science. Coherent manipulation of the atomic state via Raman transitions provides a new tool in cavity QED for in situ monitoring and control of the atom‐cavity system. All of these achievements share a common point of departure: the regime of strong coupling. It is thus interesting to consider briefly the history of the strong coupling criterion in cavity QED and to trace out the path that research has taken in the pursuit of this goal.
Cavity quantum electrodynamics (QED), the system of a single atom interacting with a single mode of a high finesse optical resonator, has tremendous potential for use in quantum logic, quantum information processing, and in enabling observation of quantum mechanical effects in the laboratory. The work of this thesis demonstrates a number of steps toward realizing these goals, by employing an experimental system with the strongest atom-field coupling achieved to date in optical cavity QED. The effects of strong coupling in cavity QED are studied for single cold atoms measured one at a time, in real time. The passage of single atoms through the cavity is employed to map out the frequency response of the system, and to demonstrate that quantum rather than semiclassical theory provides the correct theoretical model. The mechanical effects of strong coupling on single atoms are explored, these experiments demonstrating the first trapping of single atoms with single photons. Additionally, strong coupling enables high signal-to-noise ratio for monitoring atomic position at single photon field strengths; this capability is employed to investigate the motion of atoms trapped within the cavity. The transmitted cavity field is used to reconstruct the trajectories of single atoms, thereby realizing a new form of microscopy - the Atom-Cavity Microscope. Technical developments necessary to create the cavities used in this experiment are detailed. Ideas for future extensions to the experiment are proposed; a zero light-shift dipole force trap, and measurement of photon statistics of a single strongly coupled atom (which realizes a photon blockade device) are discussed.
An important development in modern physics is the emerging capability for investigations of dynamical processes for open quantum systems in a regime of strong coupling for which individual quanta play a decisive role. Of particular significance in this context is research in cavity quantum electrodynamics which explores quantum dynamical processes for individual atoms strongly coupled to the electromagnetic field of a resonator. An overview of the research activities in the Quantum Optics Group at Caltech is presented with an emphasis on strong coupling in cavity QED which enables exploration of a new regime of nonlinear optics with single atoms and photons.