Multimode quantum memory based on atomic frequency combs

Journal Article · Fri May 15 04:00:00 EDT 2009 · Physical Review. A

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PHYSREVA.79.052329· OSTI ID:21300837

Afzelius, Mikael; Simon, Christoph; Riedmatten, Hugues de; Gisin, Nicolas ^[1]

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1. Group of Applied Physics, University of Geneva, CH-1211 Geneva 4 (Switzerland)

An efficient multimode quantum memory is a crucial resource for long-distance quantum communication based on quantum repeaters. We propose a quantum memory based on spectral shaping of an inhomogeneously broadened optical transition into an atomic frequency comb (AFC). The spectral width of the AFC allows efficient storage of multiple temporal modes without the need to increase the absorption depth of the storage material, in contrast to previously known quantum memories. Efficient readout is possible thanks to rephasing of the atomic dipoles due to the AFC structure. Long-time storage and on-demand readout is achieved by use of spin states in a lambda-type configuration. We show that an AFC quantum memory realized in solids doped with rare-earth-metal ions could store hundreds of modes or more with close to unit efficiency, for material parameters achievable today.

• OSTI ID: 21300837
• Journal Information: Physical Review. A, Journal Name: Physical Review. A Journal Issue: 5 Vol. 79; ISSN 1050-2947; ISSN PLRAAN
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS
GENERAL PHYSICS
ABSORPTION
COMMUNICATIONS
DEPTH
DIPOLES
DISTANCE
DOPED MATERIALS
EFFICIENCY
IONS
QUANTUM INFORMATION
RARE EARTHS
READOUT SYSTEMS
SPIN