Quantum nondemolition measurement of small photon numbers by Rydberg-atom phase-sensitive detection

Abstract

We describe a new quantum nondemolition method to monitor the number N of photons in a microwave cavity. We propose coupling the field to a quasiresonant beam of Rydberg atoms and measuring the resulting phase shift of the atom wave function by the Ramsey separated-oscillatory-fields technique. The detection of a sequence of atoms reduces the field into a Fock state. With realistic Rydberg atom-cavity systems, small-photon-number states down to N=0 could be prepared and continuously monitored.

Keywords

PhysicsRydberg atomAtomic physicsPhotonAtom (system on chip)Rydberg formulaField (mathematics)Phase (matter)Rydberg stateAtomic beamFock stateQuantum mechanicsBeam (structure)OpticsIonization

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Publication Info

Year: 1990
Type: article
Volume: 65
Issue: 8
Pages: 976-979
Citations: 492
Access: Closed

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APA Style

                            
                                
                                    M. Brune, 
                                
                                    S. Haroche, 
                                
                                    Victor Lefèvre
                                
                                et al.
                            
                            (1990). 
                            Quantum nondemolition measurement of small photon numbers by Rydberg-atom phase-sensitive detection. 
                            Physical Review Letters
                            , 65
                            (8)
                            , 976-979.
                            https://doi.org/10.1103/physrevlett.65.976
                        

Identifiers

DOI: 10.1103/physrevlett.65.976