Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 28, 2026
10:00
Gradient Echo Quantum Memory in Warm Atomic Vapor
Published on: November 11, 2013
Resonance beating of light stored using atomic spinor polaritons
Leon Karpa1, Frank Vewinger, Martin Weitz
1Institut für Angewandte Physik der Universität Bonn, Wegelerstrasse 8, D-53115 Bonn, Germany.
Physical Review Letters
|November 13, 2008
Summary
Scientists stored light in atomic rubidium vapor using a multilevel-tripod scheme. This technique allows for precise measurements of atomic transition frequencies and the development of quantum switches.
Area of Science:
- Quantum optics
- Atomic physics
- Condensed matter physics
Background:
- Light storage in atomic systems is crucial for quantum information processing.
- Multilevel atomic systems offer complex interactions for novel quantum phenomena.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the storage of light in atomic rubidium vapor.
- To explore the properties of collective dark polariton modes.
- To demonstrate a novel method for measuring atomic transition frequencies.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a multilevel-tripod atomic scheme in rubidium vapor.
- Dynamically reduced the optical group velocity to zero for light storage.
- Monitored the beating of reaccelerated optical modes after storage release.
Main Results:
- Observed two collective dark polariton modes forming an effective spinor quasiparticle.
- Successfully stored and retrieved light pulses.
- Detected a beating signal oscillating at the atomic transition frequency.
Conclusions:
- The developed technique enables quantum-limited measurements of atomic resonance frequencies.
- This research opens possibilities for creating advanced quantum switches.
- The findings contribute to the understanding of light-matter interactions in complex atomic systems.
Related Concept Videos
01:05Atomic Nuclei: Magnetic Resonance
The number of nuclear spins aligned in the lower energy state is slightly greater than those in the higher energy state. In the presence of an external magnetic field, as the spins precess at the Larmor frequency, the excess population results in a net magnetization oriented along the z axis. When a pulse or a short burst of radio waves at the Larmor frequency is applied along the x axis, the coupling of frequencies causes resonance and flips the nuclear spins of the excess population from the...
01:12Double Resonance Techniques: Overview
Double resonance techniques in Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy involve the simultaneous application of two different frequencies or radiofrequency pulses to manipulate and observe two distinct nuclear spins. One important application of double resonance is spin decoupling, which selectively suppresses coupling with one type of nucleus while observing the NMR signal from another nucleus, simplifying the spectrum and enhancing resolution.
Spin decoupling is usually achieved by...
Spin decoupling is usually achieved by...
01:23Atomic Nuclei: Nuclear Relaxation Processes
In the absence of an external magnetic field, nuclear spin states are degenerate and randomly oriented. When a magnetic field is applied, the spins begin to precess and orient themselves along (lower energy) or against (higher energy) the direction of the field. At equilibrium, a slight excess population of spins exists in the lower energy state. Because the direction of the magnetic field is fixed as the z-axis, the precessing magnetic moments are randomly oriented around the z-axis. This...
01:11Atomic Nuclei: Larmor Precession Frequency
The earth's gravitational field produces a 'twisting force' perpendicular to the angular momentum of a spinning mass (such as a spinning top) that causes the mass to 'wobble' around the gravitational field axis in a phenomenon called precession. Similarly, the magnetic moment (μ) of a spinning nucleus precesses due to an external magnetic field directed along the z-axis. The precession of the magnetic moment vector about the magnetic field is called Larmor precession, and the angular frequency...
01:03Atomic Nuclei: Nuclear Spin State Overview
NMR-active nuclei have energy levels called 'spin states' that are associated with the orientations of their nuclear magnetic moments. In the absence of a magnetic field, the nuclear magnetic moments are randomly oriented, and the spin states are degenerate. When an external magnetic field is applied, the spin states have only 2 + 1 orientations available to them. A proton with = ½ has two available orientations. Similarly, for a quadrupolar nucleus with a nuclear spin value of one, the...
01:08Atomic Nuclei: Nuclear Spin
All atomic particles possess an intrinsic angular momentum, or 'spin'. Electrons, protons, and neutrons each have a spin value of ½, although protons and neutrons in nuclei may have higher half-integer spins owing to energetic factors.
Atomic nuclei have a net nuclear spin, , which can have an integer or half-integer value. In atomic nuclei, the spins of protons are paired against each other but not with neutrons, and vice versa. Consequently, an even number of protons does not contribute to...
Atomic nuclei have a net nuclear spin, , which can have an integer or half-integer value. In atomic nuclei, the spins of protons are paired against each other but not with neutrons, and vice versa. Consequently, an even number of protons does not contribute to...