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Measurement of the internal state of a single atom without energy exchange

Author

Listed:
  • Jürgen Volz

    (Laboratoire Kastler-Brossel, ENS, CNRS, Université Pierre et Marie Curie – Paris 6, 24 rue Lhomond)

  • Roger Gehr

    (Laboratoire Kastler-Brossel, ENS, CNRS, Université Pierre et Marie Curie – Paris 6, 24 rue Lhomond)

  • Guilhem Dubois

    (Laboratoire Kastler-Brossel, ENS, CNRS, Université Pierre et Marie Curie – Paris 6, 24 rue Lhomond
    Present address: Astron FIAMM, 35 rue Pasteur, 83210 La Farlède, France.)

  • Jérôme Estève

    (Laboratoire Kastler-Brossel, ENS, CNRS, Université Pierre et Marie Curie – Paris 6, 24 rue Lhomond)

  • Jakob Reichel

    (Laboratoire Kastler-Brossel, ENS, CNRS, Université Pierre et Marie Curie – Paris 6, 24 rue Lhomond)

Abstract

Light-touch quantum measurement Methods that use light to detect single atoms or ions usually involve some spontaneous scattering of photons, which exchange energy with the measured object, changing its state. The heat produced in such interactions is problematic for atom-based quantum information processing. However, energy exchange of this type is not a fundamental requirement of quantum mechanics, and Jakob Reichel and colleagues now show that, by confining an atom in an optical cavity, they can circumvent the problem of spontaneous scattering. The strong coupling of the atom to the cavity allows the state of the atom to be probed by sensing the interaction of light with the cavity. In effect, the photons measure the atom without entering the cavity. Besides its fundamental interest, this technique could simplify proposed neutral atom quantum computation schemes, and may enable sensitive detection of molecules and atoms lacking closed transitions.

Suggested Citation

  • Jürgen Volz & Roger Gehr & Guilhem Dubois & Jérôme Estève & Jakob Reichel, 2011. "Measurement of the internal state of a single atom without energy exchange," Nature, Nature, vol. 475(7355), pages 210-213, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:nature:v:475:y:2011:i:7355:d:10.1038_nature10225
    DOI: 10.1038/nature10225
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    Cited by:

    1. Mathias J. R. Staunstrup & Alexey Tiranov & Ying Wang & Sven Scholz & Andreas D. Wieck & Arne Ludwig & Leonardo Midolo & Nir Rotenberg & Peter Lodahl & Hanna Le Jeannic, 2024. "Direct observation of a few-photon phase shift induced by a single quantum emitter in a waveguide," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 15(1), pages 1-5, December.

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