### A millisecond quantum memory for scalable quantum networksA millisecond quantum memory for scalable quantum networks

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 Author Zhao, Bo ♦ Chen, Yu-Ao ♦ Bao, Xiao-Hui ♦ Strassel, Thorsten ♦ Chuu, Chih-Sung ♦ Jin, Xian-Min ♦ Schmiedmayer, Jörg ♦ Yuan, Zhen-Sheng ♦ Chen, Shuai ♦ Pan, Jian-Wei Source arXiv.org Content type Text File Format PDF Date of Submission 2008-07-31 Language English
 Subject Domain (in DDC) Computer science, information & general works ♦ Natural sciences & mathematics ♦ Physics Subject Keyword Quantum Physics ♦ physics:quant-ph Abstract Scalable quantum information processing critically depends on the capability of storage of a quantum state. In particular, a long-lived storable and retrievable quantum memory for single excitations is of crucial importance to the atomic-ensemble-based long-distance quantum communication. Although atomic memories for classical lights and continuous variables have been demonstrated with milliseconds storage time, there is no equal advance in the development of quantum memory for single excitations, where only around 10 $\mu$s storage time was achieved. Here we report our experimental investigations on extending the storage time of quantum memory for single excitations. We isolate and identify distinct mechanisms for the decoherence of spin wave (SW) in atomic ensemble quantum memories. By exploiting the magnetic field insensitive state, clock state", and generating a long-wavelength SW to suppress the dephasing, we succeed in extending the storage time of the quantum memory to 1 ms. Our result represents a substantial progress towards long-distance quantum communication and enables a realistic avenue for large-scale quantum information processing. Description Reference: Nature Physics 5, 95 - 99 (2009) Educational Use Research Learning Resource Type Article