Efficient spatially resolved multimode quantum memory

Light storage in atomic ensembles has been implemented successfully, but the retrieval efficiency can be low. We propose to improve this efficiency with appropriately phase-matched backward propagating retrieval. This method allows for easy spatial filtering of the retrieved light; in addition, mult...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Surmacz, K, Nunn, J, Reim, K, Lee, K, Lorenz, V, Sussman, B, Walmsley, I, Jaksch, D
Format: Journal article
Language:English
Published: 2008
Description
Summary:Light storage in atomic ensembles has been implemented successfully, but the retrieval efficiency can be low. We propose to improve this efficiency with appropriately phase-matched backward propagating retrieval. This method allows for easy spatial filtering of the retrieved light; in addition, multiple optical modes can be stored in the transverse momentum of the ensemble. We model walk-off effects with a full numerical simulation, and confirm the applicability of the scheme. © 2008 The American Physical Society.