Collective Spin Excitations in an Atomic Vapour for Quantum Information

下一代量子设备将在计算、安全通信和基础研究方面构成一场技术革命。随着实用量子计算机的出现和全球范围内出现原理证明的大规模量子网络，这些技术即将取得成果。要使这项技术真正实现，需要填补的许多空白中，最有先见之明的是将量子信息从一个系统映射到另一个系统。例如，量子信息的光学量子比特必须以一种保持其微妙量子态的方式映射到物质中。另一个必须解决的挑战是培训一支懂量子文化的劳动力--一群多样化的技术人员、科学家和工程师，他们将打造明天的量子技术。鉴于这些挑战，这项研究计划的目标有两个：我们将探索一条将光耦合到物质中的有希望的途径，使用原子云来生产和存储量子信息。下一步，该计划的结构将使学生研究人员的学习成果最大化，并提供一个明显具有包容性的研究环境，以激励和鼓励未来在该领域工作的各种招募人员。在系统之间映射量子态的挑战的核心是建立一种足够强大的耦合，这种耦合足够可靠地传输信息，而不是耗散的，这样信息就不会在这个过程中丢失。这种“相干耦合”是量子混合界面中的一个关键挑战。这一研究计划将自然而然地克服这一障碍：一个原子系统将在一个节点上创建光学量子信息，而相同的原子物种将被用于在另一个单独的节点上操纵和存储这些信息。这个系统将在原子和光子激发之间产生一种有趣的相互作用，其中光激发将导致原子自旋激发分布在许多原子上(集体自旋激发)。这项研究计划将提供对这个基本上未被探索的系统的更深层次的了解，并有可能不仅增强周围的技术，而且有可能增强对混合量子系统的基本理解。这一研究方向的模块化、桌面性质使其在培养下一代科学家方面特别富有成效。大部分实验可以被分成单独的电子和光学模块，这可能是初级研究人员的重点。我们将以“创造者”的心态进入实验室，拥有探索个人项目和想法的公共空间，为初学者创造一个诱人的环境。通过让我们的初级成员不仅提供外展讲座，还为他们的同龄人和社区青年提供指导，我们将提供一个包容的环境，并增加下一代科学家的公平性、多样性和包容性。

The next generation of quantum devices will constitute a technological revolution in computing, secure communication and fundamental research. These technologies are on the verge of coming into fruition, with the appearance of practical quantum computers and proof of principle large-scale quantum networks appearing across the globe. Among the many gaps that need to be filled for this technology to become practically realized, one of the most prescient is the mapping of quantum information from one system to another. For example, the optical qubits of quantum information must be mapped into matter in a way that preserves their delicate quantum state. Another challenge that must be addressed is the training of a quantum literate workforce - a diverse set of technicians, scientists and engineers, who will build the quantum technology of tomorrow. Given these challenges, the aim of this research program is two-fold: we will explore a promising avenue for coupling light into matter, using an atomic cloud for both production and storage of quantum information. Next, the program will be structured so as to maximize learning outcomes for the student researchers and to provide a visibly inclusive research environment to inspire and encourage a diverse set of recruits for future work in the field. At the heart of the challenge for mapping quantum states between systems is establishing a coupling that is strong enough to reliably transfer information, yet not dissipative, so that information is not lost in the process. This "coherent coupling" is a key challenge in a quantum hybrid interface. This research program will overcome this barrier naturally: an atomic system will create the optical quantum information at one node, and the same atomic species will be used to manipulate and store this information at a separate node. This system will create an interesting interplay between atomic and photonic excitations, where an optical excitation will lead to an atomic spin excitation spread across many atoms (a collective spin excitation). This research program will provide a deeper understanding of this largely unexplored system and has the potential to enhance not only surrounding technology but fundamental understanding of hybrid quantum systems. The modular, table-top nature of this research direction makes it especially fruitful for the training of the next generation of scientists. Much of the experiment can be partitioned into separate electronic and optical modules which can be the focus of a beginning researcher. By embracing a "maker" mentality to the lab, with communal space for exploring individual projects and ideas, we will create an inviting environment to beginners to the field. By having our junior members not only deliver outreach lectures but also provide mentorship to their peers and community youth, we will provide an inclusive environment and increase equity, diversity, and inclusion in the next generation of scientists.