Southwest Quantum Information and Technology

Preparing a cold atomic ensemble with high optical depth for a light matter interface in free space

Presenting Author: Jacob Nelson Nelson, University of New Mexico CQuIC
Contributing Author(s): F. Elohim Becerra

Atomic ensembles provide a versatile light matter interface for the preparation of complex quantum states. Light-matter interfaces have allowed for the preparation of highly squeezed spin states and complex non-Gaussian states based on measurement backaction for metrology and quantum information processing. We are working towards preparing a large atomic ensemble of cold cesium atoms with high optical depth in free space in a low loss system to increase entanglement between light and matter, which can result in a high efficiency for quantum state preparation. We investigate methods to optimize the optical depth and temperature of the atomic ensemble by controlling the cooling laser parameters and magnetic fields in our magneto optical trap. Our goal is to achieve an optical depth of 300 or higher, which will enhance the measurement strength for quantum state preparation based on measurement backaction.

(Session 5 : Thursday from 12:00pm-2:00 pm)