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Single-Photon Interference due to Motion in an Atomic Collective Excitation
D J Whiting1, N Šibalić1, J Keaveney1
1Joint Quantum Centre (JQC) Durham-Newcastle, Durham University, Department of Physics, South Road, Durham, DH1 3LE, United Kingdom.
Physical Review Letters
|July 12, 2017
Summary
Researchers generated bichromatic single photons using atomic collective spin excitation (CSE). This novel method revealed quantum beats, an interference effect from atomic motion, controllable with lasers and magnetic fields.
Area of Science:
- Quantum optics
- Atomic physics
- Photonics
Background:
- Single photon sources are crucial for quantum technologies.
- Controlling photon properties like wavelength and timing is essential for advanced applications.
- Atomic collective spin excitations offer a promising platform for generating quantum light states.
Purpose of the Study:
- To experimentally demonstrate the heralded generation of bichromatic single photons.
- To investigate and control quantum beat phenomena in atomic systems.
- To explore the potential of this method for quantum information processing and communication.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing atomic collective spin excitation (CSE) for photon generation.
- Employing velocity-selective excitation with strong laser dressing.
- Applying a magnetic field to control quantum beat phenomena.
- Using a diamond excitation scheme with near-infrared photons.
Main Results:
- Successfully generated heralded bichromatic single photons.
- Observed collective quantum beats in photon arrival times, a novel interference effect.
- Demonstrated exquisite control over the collective beat phenomenon using applied fields and lasers.
- Validated the underlying physics of CSE-based photon generation.
Conclusions:
- The study presents a novel method for generating tunable, bichromatic single photons.
- Collective quantum beats offer a new avenue for manipulating quantum light.
- The demonstrated technique is extendable to telecommunications wavelengths and quantum memory schemes.
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