Quantum state carving of two atomic qubits in an optical cavity

Abstract

Neutral atoms trapped inside an optical cavity provide an ideal platform for the implementation of quantum networks [1]. In such a network, nodes containing multiple atomic qubits are essential for the construction of a quantum repeater as they allow for entanglement swapping and thus the generation of entanglement between qubits over long distances. Here we will show the realisation of such a multi-qubit network node containing two 87Rb atoms (see Figure. 1) in an optical cavity. Local entanglement between the two atoms is created with an experimental technique called quantum state carving. It relies on the reflection of weak coherent pulses from the cavity and subsequent measurement of the photons polarisation [2]. Postselection on the cases where the photon changed its linear polarisation by 90° after the reflection projects the atomic state onto an entangled state. This measurement technique is intrinsically probabilistic, but heralded. We will show the generation of all four maximally entangled atomic Bell states, a key resource for a plethora of quantum communication protocols. We will give an overview over the necessary experimental toolbox including the collective manipulation and readout of the two atomic qubits.