Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 19, 2026
06:42
Generation and Coherent Control of Pulsed Quantum Frequency Combs
Published on: June 8, 2018
9.8K
Coherent manipulation of a solid-state artificial atom with few photons
V Giesz1, N Somaschi1, G Hornecker2,3
1CNRS-LPN Laboratoire de Photonique et de Nanostructures, Université Paris-Saclay, Route de Nozay, 91460 Marcoussis, France.
Nature Communications
|June 18, 2016
Summary
Researchers demonstrate coherent manipulation of an artificial atom using few photons. This breakthrough in quantum networks shows a single photon can control an atom, advancing quantum information processing.
Area of Science:
- Quantum physics
- Quantum optics
- Solid-state physics
Background:
- Quantum networks require bidirectional control between atoms and photons.
- Efficient atom-photon interfaces are crucial for quantum information processing.
- Previous research focused on atom control of photons, not vice versa.
Purpose of the Study:
- To demonstrate coherent manipulation of an artificial atom by few photons.
- To investigate the reciprocal operation in atom-photon interactions for quantum networks.
- To achieve high-fidelity control of an artificial atom using a minimal photon count.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing a quantum dot-cavity system with high cooperativity.
- Engineering efficient atom-photon interfaces through cavity coupling.
- Measuring photon-atom interaction probabilities and atomic transition inversion.
Main Results:
- Achieved a record cooperativity of 13 in the quantum dot-cavity system.
- Demonstrated high probability (0.95) of incident photon interaction with the atom.
- Showcased atomic transition inversion with an average of 3.8 photons.
- Confirmed the artificial atom's isolation from its solid-state environment.
Conclusions:
- Successfully demonstrated coherent manipulation of an artificial atom by few photons.
- This work establishes the reciprocal control capability essential for quantum networks.
- The high performance suggests potential for robust quantum information processing.
Related Concept Videos
02:45The Quantum-Mechanical Model of an Atom
61.3K
Shortly after de Broglie published his ideas that the electron in a hydrogen atom could be better thought of as being a circular standing wave instead of a particle moving in quantized circular orbits, Erwin Schrödinger extended de Broglie’s work by deriving what is now known as the Schrödinger equation. When Schrödinger applied his equation to hydrogen-like atoms, he was able to reproduce Bohr’s expression for the energy and, thus, the Rydberg formula governing hydrogen spectra.
61.3K
01:03Atomic Nuclei: Nuclear Spin State Overview
2.2K
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...
2.2K
01:11Atomic Nuclei: Larmor Precession Frequency
3.5K
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,...
3.5K
01:08Atomic Nuclei: Nuclear Spin
5.6K
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...
5.6K
01:08Atomic Force Microscopy
4.7K
Atomic force microscopy (AFM) is a type of scanning probe microscopy that can analyze topographic details of various specimens like ceramics, glass, polymers, and biological samples. AFM offers over 1000 times more resolution than the optical imaging system. Images generated from AFM are three-dimensional surface profiles, offering an advantage over the flat, two-dimensional images from other imaging techniques.
The AFM Probe
The probe is regarded as the heart of any AFM setup and comprises the...
The AFM Probe
The probe is regarded as the heart of any AFM setup and comprises the...
4.7K
01:30Electromagnetic Waves in Matter
4.2K
Electromagnetic waves can travel in the vacuum as well as in matter. For example light, which is an electromagnetic wave, can travel through air, water, or glass.
Consider the electromagnetic wave passing through a dielectric medium. In such a case, Maxwell's equations get modified. In Ampere's law, ε0 , the dielectric permittivity of free space is replaced with ε, the permittivity of dielectric. Also, the vacuum permeability μ0 is replaced by the permeability of the medium, μ.
Furthermore,...
Consider the electromagnetic wave passing through a dielectric medium. In such a case, Maxwell's equations get modified. In Ampere's law, ε0 , the dielectric permittivity of free space is replaced with ε, the permittivity of dielectric. Also, the vacuum permeability μ0 is replaced by the permeability of the medium, μ.
Furthermore,...
4.2K