Multimode quantum memory based on atomic frequency combs

Mikael Afzelius, Christoph Simon, Hugues de Riedmatten, and Nicolas Gisin
Phys. Rev. A 79, 052329 – Published 21 May 2009

Abstract

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.

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  • Received 9 June 2008

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevA.79.052329

©2009 American Physical Society

Authors & Affiliations

Mikael Afzelius*, Christoph Simon, Hugues de Riedmatten, and Nicolas Gisin

  • Group of Applied Physics, University of Geneva, CH-1211 Geneva 4, Switzerland

  • *mikael.afzelius@unige.ch

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Issue

Vol. 79, Iss. 5 — May 2009

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