Multilevel Atoms Research Articles

Realization of the quantum CNOT gate based on multiphoton process in multimode Cavity QED

We propose a scheme for implementing the CNOT gate in which the photonic qubits encoded on the cavity modes and a four-level atom passes through the cavity. The location of the resonance is predicted from the use of effective three-level Hamiltonian. First, we have theoretically studied the interaction of multi-level atom with multi-mode fields in a cavity by using the shore’s method. Next we have numerically calculated the probability of the state of the interest as well as the fidelity of this scheme. We have also used the wave-function and the density matrix approaches to study theoretically and numerically the effects of decoherence in the implementation of the gate.

Quantum dynamics of electric-dipole coupled defect centers in solids

We investigate the quantum dynamics of two defect centers in solids, which are coupled by vacuum-induced dipole–dipole interactions. When the interaction between defects and phonons is taken into account, the two coupled electron–phonon systems make up two equivalent multilevel atoms. By making Born–Markov and rotating wave approximations, we derive a master equation describing the dynamics of the coupled multilevel atoms. The results indicate the concepts of subradiant and superradiant states can be applied to these systems and the population transfer process presents different behaviors from those of the two dipolar-coupled two-level atoms due to the participation of phonons.

The Damping and Diffusion of Atoms Moving in the Background Electromagnetic Environment

The interaction between an atom and the quantized electromagnetic field depends on the position of the atom. Then the atom experiences a force which is the minus gradient of this interaction. Through the Heisenberg equations of motion and the Born-Markov approximation, the mean and correlation of the force are obtained, showing that the center-of-mass motion of the atom is damped and diffused. This approach can be easily generalized to multi-level atoms, where the damping force and diffusion coefficients are just the weighted average of the contributions from all pairs of energy levels that have nonvanishing dipole elements. It is shown that these results are invariant under Galilean transformation, and in principle can be used to determine the velocity of the lab relative to the background radiation.

Signatures of avoided energy-level crossings in entanglement indicators obtained from quantum tomograms

Extensive theoretical and experimental investigations on multipartite systems close to an avoided energy-level crossing reveal interesting features such as the extremisation of entanglement. Conventionally, the estimation of entanglement directly from experimental observation involves either one of two approaches: uncertainty-relation-based estimation that captures the linear correlation between relevant observables, or rigorous but error-prone quantum state reconstruction on tomograms obtained from homodyne measurements. We investigate the behaviour, close to avoided crossings, of entanglement indicators that can be calculated directly from a numerically-generated tomogram. The systems we study are two generic bipartite continuous-variable systems: a Bose–Einstein condensate trapped in a double-well potential, and a multi-level atom interacting with a radiation field. We also consider a multipartite hybrid quantum system of superconducting qubits interacting with microwave photons. We carry out a quantitative comparison of the indicators with a standard measure of entanglement, the subsystem von Neumann entropy (SVNE). It is shown that the indicators that capture the nonlinear correlation between relevant subsystem observables are in excellent agreement with the SVNE.

Optical Selection of Dark States of Multilevel Atomic Ensembles

A method is proposed for constructing the dark states of multilevel atomic ensembles by selection based on statistical determination of the detection delay for photons escaping from a cavity. Numerical experiments are reported simulating this selection for two- and three-level atoms. Supercomputer simulation confirms the hypothesis that the general explicit form of the dark subspace is a linear combination of antisymmetric ground states of multilevel atoms.

Enantiomeric-excess determination based on nonreciprocal-transition-induced spectral-line elimination

The spontaneous emission spectrum of a multi-level atom or molecule with nonreciprocal transition is investigated. It is shown that the nonreciprocal transition can lead to the elimination of a spectral line in the spontaneous emission spectrum. As an application, we show that nonreciprocal transition arises from the phase-related driving fields in chiral molecules with cyclic three-level transitions, and the elimination of a spectral line induced by nonreciprocal transition provides us a method to determine the enantiomeric excess for the chiral molecules without requiring the enantio-pure samples.

Conditional Disappearance of Gravitational Dephasing in Multilevel Atomic Systems

The state of an ensemble of three-level atoms after absorption of a single photon and subsequent spontaneous decays in the presence of a weak gravitational field is shown to lose the phase matching of the emitted photons with the wave vector of the absorbed photon, similar to the case of an ensemble of two-level atoms. However, the spatial distribution of a second photon coincides with the result for a space without a gravitational field when averaging over the state of one of the emitted photons.

Subradiance of multilevel fermionic atoms in arrays with filling n≥2

We investigate the subradiance properties of $n\geq 2$ multilevel fermionic atoms loaded into the lowest motional level of a single trap (e.g.~a single optical lattice site or an optical tweezer). As pointed out in our previous work [arXiv:1907.05541], perfectly dark subradiant states emerge from the interplay between fermionic statistics and dipolar interactions. While in [arXiv:1907.05541] we focused on the $n=2$ case, here we provide an in-depth analysis of the single-site dark states for generic filling $n$, and show a tight connection between generic dark states and total angular momentum eigenstates. We show how the latter can also be used to understand the full eigenstate structure of the single-site problem, which we analyze numerically. Apart from this, we discuss two possible schemes to coherently prepare dark states using either a Raman transition or an external magnetic field to lift the Zeeman degeneracy. Although the analysis focuses on the single-site problem, we show that multi-site dark states can be trivially constructed in any geometry out of product states of single-site dark states. Finally, we discuss some possible implementations with alkaline-earth(-like) atoms such as $^{171}$Yb or $^{87}$Sr loaded into optical lattices, where they could be used for potential applications in quantum metrology and quantum information.

Quantum scheme for N-level atom interacting with a two two-level atom: Atomic Fisher information and entropy squeezing

In this work, we introduce a model of a two-atom interacting with a multi-level atom governed by su(2) Lie algebra in the presence of external classical field. The influence of the classical field on the system is discussed in detail for certain values for the classical terms. The atomic density matrix of the proposed system is obtained. The dynamical behavior of the atomic Fisher information as an indicator of the nonlocal correlation between a two-atom and su(2) field is discussed. Moreover, we examine the effect of classical field on the evolution of entropy squeezing and the geometric phase induced between the initial and final state of the proposed system. The results outlined some important phenomena as sudden death and sudden birth of entanglement in presence of the classical terms is observed through the dynamics of atomic Fisher information in the presence of classical field for the large number of levels.

Fermionic formalism for driven-dissipative multilevel systems

We present a fermionic description of non-equilibrium multi-level systems. Our approach uses the Keldysh path integral formalism and allows us to take into account periodic drives, as well as dissipative channels. The technique is based on the Majorana fermion representation of spin-1/2 models which follows earlier applications in the context of spin and Kondo systems. We apply this formalism to problems of increasing complexity: a dissipative two-level system, a driven-dissipative multi-level atom, and a generalized Dicke model describing many multi-level atoms coupled to a single cavity. We compare our theoretical predictions with recent QED experiments and point out the features of a counter-lasing transition. Our technique provides a convenient and powerful framework for analyzing driven-dissipative quantum systems, complementary to other approaches based on the solution of Lindblad master equations.

Multi-qubit phase gate on multiple resonators mediated by a superconducting bus.

We propose a one-step scheme for implementing multi-qubit phase gates on microwave photons in multiple resonators mediated by a superconducting bus in circuit quantum electrodynamics (QED) system. In the scheme, multiple single-mode resonators carry quantum information with their vacuum and single-photon Fock states, and a multi-level artificial atom acts as a quantum bus which induces the indirect interaction among resonators. The method of pulse engineering is used to shape the coupling strength between resonators and the bus so as to improve the fidelity and robustness of the scheme. We also discuss the influence of finite coherence time for the bus and resonators on gate fidelity respectively. Finally, we consider the suppression of unwanted transitions and propose the method of optimized detuning compensation for offsetting unwanted transitions, showing the feasibility of the scheme within the current experiment technology.

Optical waveguiding by atomic entanglement in multilevel atom arrays

The optical properties of subwavelength arrays of atoms or other quantum emitters have attracted significant interest recently. For example, the strong constructive or destructive interference of emitted light enables arrays to function as nearly perfect mirrors, support topological edge states, and allow for exponentially better quantum memories. In these proposals, the assumed atomic structure was simple, consisting of a unique electronic ground state. Within linear optics, the system is then equivalent to a periodic array of classical dielectric particles, whose periodicity supports the emergence of guided modes. However, it has not been known whether such phenomena persist in the presence of hyperfine structure, as exhibited by most quantum emitters. Here, we show that waveguiding can arise from rich atomic entanglement as a quantum many-body effect and elucidate the necessary conditions. Our work represents a significant step forward in understanding collective effects in arrays of atoms with realistic electronic structure.

Peculiarities of the interaction-induced modifications of the decay of different Zeeman sublevels of an atom excited in isotropic environment

On the basis of a consistent quantum microscopic approach, we consider the decay of a multilevel atom excited in an ensemble of resonant two-level atoms. We show that the decay rate of different Zeeman sublevels of the excited state can be different, unlike in the case of a free atom. This effect is observed even when the environment is isotropic. Furthermore, we find that different irreducible components of the density matrix of initially excited multilevel atoms also differ in terms of decay rate.

Radiative properties of an inertial multilevel atom in a compactified Minkowski spacetime

A pure topological effect on the radiative processes of an inertial atom due to the compactification in a spatial dimension is investigated. The atom is locally coupled to a bath of fluctuating quantum electromagnetic field in the compactified Minkowski spacetime. Specifically, using the perturbation theory we calculate the atomic transition rates both for a static atom and for a uniformly moving atom along the compactified or non-compactified spatial direction. As a rule, the atomic transition rates depend much on the circumference of the compactified dimension and the atomic polarizability. Remarkably, for inertial atoms moving at different constant velocities along the compactified direction, their transition rates can be quite different, in sharp contrast with the case in the free Minkowski spacetime.

Estimation of entanglement in bipartite systems directly from tomograms

We investigate the advantages of extracting the degree of entanglement in bipartite systems directly from tomograms, as it is the latter that are readily obtained from experiments. This would provide a superior alternative to the standard procedure of assessing the extent of entanglement between subsystems after employing the machinery of state reconstruction from the tomogram. The latter is both cumbersome and involves statistical methods, while a direct inference about entanglement from the tomogram circumvents these limitations. In an earlier paper, we had identified a procedure to obtain a bipartite entanglement indicator directly from tomograms. To assess the efficacy of this indicator, we now carry out a detailed investigation using two nonlinear bipartite models by comparing this tomographic indicator with standard markers of entanglement such as the subsystem linear entropy and the subsystem von Neumann entropy and also with a commonly-used indicator obtained from inverse participation ratios. The two model systems selected for this purpose are a multilevel atom interacting with a radiation field, and a double-well Bose-Einstein condensate. The role played by the specific initial states of these two systems in the performance of the tomographic indicator is also examined. Further, the efficiency of the tomographic entanglement indicator during the dynamical evolution of the system is assessed from a time-series analysis of the difference between this indicator and the subsystem von Neumann entropy.

Tailoring the thermalization time of a cavity field using distinct atomic reservoirs

We study how the thermalization time of a single radiation cavity-field mode changes drastically depending on the type of the atomic reservoir it interacts. Temporal evolution of the field is analyzed within the micromaser scheme, where each atomic reservoir is modeled as a beam of atoms crossing an electromagnetic cavity in which they weakly interact with the field. The cavity-field thermalizes when we consider either multi-atom or multi-level atom reservoirs. We found that each atomic reservoir generates a different scaling law in the thermalization time of the cavity-field. Such scaling laws can be used for a faster or slower heating and cooling process. We have obtained analytical expressions for the thermalization time that were verified by means of a numerical simulation of the injection of each atomic reservoir into the cavity. We also discussed how our results could boost the efficiency and power output of some quantum heat engines during a finite time operation when the radiation field mode acts as the working substance.

Population mixing due to dipole-dipole interactions in a one-dimensional array of multilevel atoms

We examine theoretically how dipole-dipole interactions arising from multiple photon scattering lead to a modified distribution of ground state populations in a driven, ordered 1D array of multilevel atoms. Specifically, we devise a level configuration in which a ground-state population accumulated due solely to dipole-dipole interactions can be up to 20\% in regimes accessible to current experiments with neutral atom arrays. For much larger systems, the steady state can consist of an equal distribution of population across the ground state manifold. Our results illustrate how dipole-dipole interactions can be accentuated through interference, and regulated by the geometry of ordered atom arrays. More generally, control techniques for multilevel atoms that can be degraded by multiple scattering, such as optical pumping, will benefit from an improved understanding and control of dipole-dipole interactions available in ordered arrays.

Transition processes of a static multilevel atom in the cosmic string spacetime with a conducting plane boundary

We investigate the transition processes of a static multilevel atom in interaction with a fluctuating vacuum quantum electromagnetic field in the cosmic string spacetime in the presence of an infinite, perfectly conducting plane. Using the formalism proposed by DDC, we find that the presence of the boundary modifies both vacuum fluctuations and radiation reaction contributions to the atomic spontaneous emission rate. Our results indicate that the total decay rate and the boundary-induced contribution both depend upon the atom-string distance, the atom-plate separation, the extent of the polar angle deficit induced by the string, and the atomic polarization direction. By adjusting these parameters, the atomic decay rate can be either enhanced or weakened significantly by the boundary. Moreover, the presence of the boundary can distinguish certain polarization directions that bring about the same decay rate in the case of a free cosmic string spacetime. Theoretically, our work suggests a more flexible means to adjust and control the radiative processes of atoms.

Parity-Engineered Light-Matter Interaction.

The concept of parity describes the inversion symmetry of a system and is of fundamental relevance in the standard model, quantum information processing, and field theory. In quantum electrodynamics, parity is conserved and large field gradients are required to engineer the parity of the light-matter interaction operator. In this work, we engineer a potassiumlike artificial atom represented by a specifically designed superconducting flux qubit. We control the wave function parity of the artificial atom with an effective orbital momentum provided by a resonator. By irradiating the artificial atom with spatially shaped microwave fields, we select the interaction parity insitu. In this way, we observe dipole and quadrupole selection rules for single state transitions and induce transparency via longitudinal coupling. Our work advances the design of tunable artificial multilevel atoms to a new level, which is particularly promising with respect to quantum chemistry simulations with near-term superconducting circuits.

Entropy Associated with Local Stabilization of the Pulse Area in Multilevel Atomic Media

Entropy Associated with Local Stabilization of the Pulse Area in Multilevel Atomic Media