Heralded single-photon absorption by a single atom

被引：73

作者：

Piro, N. ^{[1
]}

Rohde, F. ^{[1
]}

Schuck, C. ^{[1
]}

Almendros, M. ^{[1
]}

Huwer, J. ^{[1
]}

Ghosh, J. ^{[1
]}

Haase, A. ^{[1
]}

Hennrich, M. ^{[1
]}

Dubin, F. ^{[1
]}

Eschner, J. ^{[1
,2
]}

机构：

[1] ICFO, Castelldefels 08860, Spain

[2] Univ Saarland, D-66123 Saarbrucken, Germany

来源：

NATURE PHYSICS | 2011年 / 7卷 / 01期

关键词：

TRAPPED ATOM; ION-TRAP; QUANTUM; ENTANGLEMENT; GENERATION; LIGHT;

D O I：

10.1038/NPHYS1805

中图分类号：

O4 [物理学];

学科分类号：

0702 ;

摘要：

Emission and absorption of single photons by single atoms is a fundamental limit of matter-light interaction, manifesting its quantum mechanical nature. As a controlled process, it is also a key tool in quantum optical information technology(1-3). Controlled single-photon emission is well advanced(4-14); for controlled single-photon absorption by a single atom, proposals exist but only preliminary experimental steps have been taken(15-19). Here we report the absorption of single photons by a single trapped ion: employing a photon pair source, detection of the quantum-correlated partner photon heralds the presence of the resonant photon at the atom. We find clear correlations between the detection of the herald and the absorption process in the atom; we also demonstrate polarization control of this process. Our experiment evidences previously unexplored interaction between a single absorber and a quantum light source; with improved control over the coupling, it will open up new avenues in quantum technology.

引用

页码：17 / 20

页数：4

共 36 条

[21] Stylus ion trap for enhanced access and sensing [J].