Quantum Control Of Atoms Research Articles

Probing Surface-Bound Atoms with Quantum Nanophotonics.

Quantum control of atoms at ultrashort distances from surfaces would open a new paradigm in quantum optics and offer a novel tool for the investigation of near-surface physics. Here, we investigate the motional states of atoms that are bound weakly to the surface of a hot optical nanofiber. We theoretically demonstrate that with optimized mechanical properties of the nanofiber these states are quantized despite phonon-induced decoherence. We further show that it is possible to influence their properties with additional nanofiber-guided light fields and suggest heterodyne fluorescence spectroscopy to probe the spectrum of the quantized atomic motion. Extending the optical control of atoms to smaller atom-surface separations could create opportunities for quantum communication and instigate the convergence of surface physics, quantum optics, and the physics of cold atoms.

Vibrational and stochastic resonances in driven nonlinear systems.

Nonlinear systems are abundant in nature. Their dynamics have been investigated very extensively, motivated partly by their multidisciplinary applicability, ranging from all branches of physical and mathematical sciences through engineering to the life sciences and medicine. When driven by external forces, nonlinear systems can exhibit a plethora of interesting and important properties-one of the most prominent being that of resonance. In the presence of a second, higher frequency, driving force, whether stochastic or deterministic/periodic, a resonance phenomenon arises that can generally be termed stochastic resonance or vibrational resonance. Operating a system in or out of resonance promises applications in several advanced technologies, such as the creation of novel materials at the nano, micro and macroscales including, but not limited to, materials having photonic band gaps, quantum control of atoms and molecules as well as miniature condensed matter systems. Motivated in part by these potential applications, this 2-part Theme Issue provides a concrete up-to-date overview of vibrational and stochastic resonances in driven nonlinear systems. It assembles state-of-the-art, original contributions on such induced resonances-addressing their analysis, occurrence and applications from either the theoretical, numerical or experimental perspectives, or through combinations of these. This article is part of the theme issue 'Vibrational and stochastic resonance in driven nonlinear systems (part 1)'.

High numerical aperture (NA = 0.92) objective lens for imaging and addressing of cold atoms.

We have designed, built, and characterized a high-resolution objective lens that is compatible with an ultrahigh vacuum environment. The lens system exploits the principle of the Weierstrass sphere solid immersion lens to reach a numerical aperture (NA) of 0.92. Tailored to the requirements of optical lattice experiments, the objective lens features a relatively long working distance of 150 μm. Our two-lens design is remarkably insensitive to mechanical tolerances in spite of the large NA. Additionally, we demonstrate the application of a tapered optical fiber tip, as used in scanning near-field optical microscopy, to measure the point spread function (PSF) of a high NA optical system. From the PSF, we infer the wavefront aberration for the entire field of view of about 75 μm. Pushing the NA of an optical system to its ultimate limit enables novel applications in quantum technologies such as quantum control of atoms in optical microtraps with an unprecedented spatial resolution and photon collection efficiency.

Atom–light superposition oscillation and Ramsey-like atom–light interferometer

Coherent wave splitting is crucial in interferometers. Normally, the waves after this splitting are of the same type. But recent progress in interaction between atom and light has led to the coherent conversion of photon to atomic excitation. This makes it possible to split an incoming light wave into a coherent superposition state of atom and light and paves the way for an interferometer made of different types of waves. Here we report on a Rabi-like coherent-superposition oscillation observed between atom and light and a coherent mixing of light wave with excited atomic spin wave in a Raman process. We construct a new kind of hybrid interferometer based on the atom-light coherent superposition state. Interference fringes are observed in both optical output intensity and atomic output in terms of the atomic spin wave strength when we scan either or both of the optical and atomic phases. Such a hybrid interferometer can be used to interrogate atomic states by optical detection and will find its applications in precision measurement and quantum control of atoms and light.

The 45th anniversary of the Institute of Spectroscopy of the Russian Academy of Sciences (Scientific session of the Physical Sciences Division of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 23 October 2013)

On 23 October 2013, the out-of-town scientific session of the Physical Sciences Division of the Russian Academy of Sciences (RAS), celebrating the 45th anniversary of the Institute of Spectroscopy, RAS (ISAN in Russ. abbr.), was held at the conference hall of the Institute's building in Troitsk.The agenda of the session, announced on the website http://www.gpad.ac.ru of the Physical Sciences Division, RAS, listed the following reports: (1) Vinogradov E A (ISAN, Troitsk, Moscow) “The main achievements of ISAN from 2009 to 2013”; (2) Balykin V I (ISAN, Troitsk, Moscow) “Atomic and photonic nanooptics”; (3) Lozovik Yu E (ISAN, Troitsk, Moscow) “Electronic and collective properties of topological isolators”; (4) Yevdokimov Yu M (Engelgard Institute of Molecular Biology, RAS, Moscow), Kompanets O N (ISAN, Troitsk, Moscow) “Structural nanotechnology of DNA (liquid-crystal approach) and its applications”; (5) Chekalin S V (ISAN, Troitsk, Moscow) “Femtosecond spectroscopy of promising materials”.Papers written on the basis of oral reports 1, 2, 4, and 5 are published below. • Near field phonon-polariton spectroscopy as a method for studying the optical properties of nanofilms, E A Vinogradov, N N Novikova, V A Yakovlev Physics-Uspekhi, 2014, Volume 57, Number 6, Pages 604–607 • Quantum control of atoms and photons by optical nanofibers, V I Balykin Physics-Uspekhi, 2014, Volume 57, Number 6, Pages 607–615 • Structural nucleic acid nanotechnology: liquid-crystalline approach, Yu M Yevdokimov, O N Kompanets Physics-Uspekhi, 2014, Volume 57, Number 6, Pages 615–621 • Femtosecond spectroscopy of promising materials, S V Chekalin Physics-Uspekhi, 2014, Volume 57, Number 6, Pages 622–629

Quantum control of atoms and photons by optical nanofibers

Quantum control of atoms and photons by optical nanofibers

Квантовое управление атомами и фотонами с помощью оптических нановолноводов

Квантовое управление атомами и фотонами с помощью оптических нановолноводов