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领域掀起一场技术革命。随着实用量子计算机的出现和大规模量子网络的原理证明在全球范围内出现，这些技术即将取得成果。在这项技术成为实际实现所需填补的许多空白中，最具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位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养具有量子素养的劳动力——一群多样化的技术人员、科学家和工程师，他们将构建未来的量子技术。考虑到这些挑战，这项研究计划的目标是双重的：我们将探索一种有前途的途径，将光与物质耦合起来，使用原子云来生产和存储量子信息。接下来，该计划的结构将使学生研究人员的学习成果最大化，并提供一个明显的包容性研究环境，以激励和鼓励各种各样的新成员在该领域的未来工作。在系统之间映射量子态的核心挑战是建立一种足够强的耦合，以可靠地传输信息，但又不耗散，这样信息就不会在过程中丢失。这种“相干耦合”是量子混合界面中的一个关键挑战。这个研究项目将自然地克服这一障碍：一个原子系统将在一个节点上产生光量子信息，而相同的原子物种将被用来在一个单独的节点上操作和存储这些信息。该系统将在原子和光子激发之间创造一种有趣的相互作用，其中光学激发将导致原子自旋激发扩散到许多原子（集体自旋激发）。这个研究项目将对这个很大程度上未被探索的系统提供更深入的理解，并且不仅有可能提高周围技术，而且有可能提高对混合量子系统的基本理解。这一研究方向的模块化、桌面化特点使其在培养下一代科学家方面尤其富有成效。大部分实验可以划分为单独的电子和光模块，这是初学者研究的重点。通过拥抱“创客”的心态到实验室，并提供探索个人项目和想法的公共空间，我们将为初学者创造一个吸引人的环境。通过让我们的年轻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.