Generation of Macroscopic Optical Polarization Bell States in Atomic Ensembles via Four-Wave Mixing

纠缠光学量子态(即显示超出经典物理允许的关联的光场)的产生和应用是量子光学中最近公认的挑战之一。这个项目的学术价值在于展示了一种新的方法来产生一套完整的光场的特殊基本非经典状态，称为Bell态，在这种状态下，频率相近的两个光场的偏振成为量子力学纠缠。这种贝尔态是通过共振光与Rb蒸气的非线性相互作用而产生的。它们构成了描述和操纵量子纠缠的自然基础，因此，这些发现将刺激量子信息协议和量子增强光学传感器的实际实现方面的新发展。它们还有可能转移到许多其他相干系统(原子/离子、固态和光子)，以温暖的Rb蒸气作为原型相互作用。该项目通过吸引研究生和本科生参与有意义的科学研究，提供了丰富的教育机会。将特别重视吸引女性和少数族裔学生，国际学生协会将作为导师和榜样。更多的教育好处来自于为高级实验室课程调整实验的组成部分，以及为更广泛的社区开发令人兴奋的演示和公共活动。

The generation and applications of entangled optical quantum states (i.e. the optical fields displaying correlations beyond those allowed by classical physics) is one of the recently recognized challenges in quantum optics. The intellectual merit of this project is to demonstrate a new approach for generation of a complete set of special fundamental non-classical states of an optical field, called Bell states, in which polarizations of two optical fields with close frequencies become quantum-mechanically entangled. Such Bell states are produced via nonlinear interaction of resonant light with Rubidium vapor. They form a natural basis for characterization and manipulation of quantum entanglement, and thus the findings will stimulate new developments in practical realizations of both quantum information protocols and in quantum-enhanced optical sensors. They will also be potentially transferrable to many other coherent systems (atomic/ionic, solid-state and photonic), with warm rubidium vapor serving as a prototype interaction. This project offers a rich spectrum of educational opportunities by engaging graduate and undergraduate students in meaningful scientific research. Particular emphasis will be placed in attracting female and minority students, with the PI serving as a mentor and as a role model. Added educational benefits arise from adapting components of the experiments for advanced laboratory classes, and development of exciting demonstrations and public events for broader community.