Preparing narrow velocity distributions for quantum memories in room-temperature alkali-metal vapors

D. Main, T. M. Hird, S. Gao, E. Oguz, D. J. Saunders, I. A. Walmsley, and P. M. Ledingham
Phys. Rev. A 103, 043105 – Published 12 April 2021

Abstract

Quantum memories are a crucial technology for enabling large-scale quantum networks through synchronization of probabilistic operations. Such networks impose strict requirements on quantum memory, such as storage time, retrieval efficiency, bandwidth, and scalability. On- and off-resonant ladder protocols on warm atomic vapor platforms are promising candidates, combining efficient high-bandwidth operation with low-noise on-demand retrieval. However, their storage time is severely limited by motion-induced dephasing caused by the broad velocity distribution of atoms composing the vapor. In this paper, we demonstrate velocity selective optical pumping to overcome this decoherence mechanism. This will increase the achievable memory storage time of vapor memories. This technique can also be used for preparing arbitrarily shaped absorption profiles, for instance, preparing an atomic frequency comb absorption feature.

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  • Received 17 October 2020
  • Accepted 29 March 2021

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevA.103.043105

©2021 American Physical Society

Physics Subject Headings (PhySH)

Atomic, Molecular & Optical

Authors & Affiliations

D. Main1, T. M. Hird1,2, S. Gao1, E. Oguz1, D. J. Saunders1, I. A. Walmsley1,3, and P. M. Ledingham1,4,*

  • 1Clarendon Laboratory, University of Oxford, Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3PU, United Kingdom
  • 2Department of Physics and Astronomy, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, United Kingdom
  • 3QOLS, Department of Physics, Imperial College London, London SW7 2BW, United Kingdom
  • 4Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Southampton, Southampton SO17 1BJ, United Kingdom

  • *P.Ledingham@soton.ac.uk

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Vol. 103, Iss. 4 — April 2021

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