A single-photon source for quantum networking

Thesis

Cavity quantum electrodynamics (cavity QED) with single atoms and single photons provides a promising route toward scalable quantum information processing (QIP) and computing. A strongly coupled atom-cavity system should act as a universal quantum interface, allowing the generation and storage of quantum information. This thesis describes the realisation of an atom-cavity system used for the production and manipulation of single photons. These photons are shown to exhibit strong sub-Poissonian statistics and indistinguishability, both prerequisites for their use in realistic quantum systems. Further, the ability to control the temporal shape and internal phase of the photons, as they are generated in the cavity, is demonstrated. This high degree of control presents a novel mechanism enabling the creation of arbitrary photonic quantum bits.

Authors: Dilley, J; Jerome Alexander Martin Dilley

• Publication date: 2012
• DOI: 10.5287/ora-zbqa1dnqb
• Type of award: DPhil
• Level of award: Doctoral
• Awarding institution: Oxford University, UK
• Language: English
• Keywords: STIRAP; Awesome; quantum computing; LOQC; cold atoms; quantum optics; single photons; cavity QED
• Subjects: Atomic and laser physics