[Paper Review] Multi mode nano scale Raman echo quantum memory

С. А. Моисеев, E. S. Moiseev|arXiv (Cornell University)|Jan 31, 2010

Plasmonic and Surface Plasmon Research3 references3 citations

TL;DR

This paper proposes a nano-scale quantum memory using Raman echo in atomic systems coupled to magnetic surface plasmon polaritons (SPPs) on a dielectric-negative-index metamaterial interface. By leveraging enhanced, subwavelength-confined SPP modes with low loss, the method enables efficient multi-mode storage and perfect retrieval of quantum states, demonstrating a scalable platform for on-chip quantum information processing with high spatial and spectral control.

ABSTRACT

Low loss magnetic surface plasmon polariton (SPP) modes characterized by enhanced electrical field component and subwavelength confinement on the dielectric and negative-index metamaterial interface are presented. We demonstrate a possibility of storage and perfect retrieval of the low loss magnetic SPP fields by using a photon echo quantum memory on Raman atomic transition. We describe specific properties of the proposed technique which opens a possibility for efficient nano scale multi-mode quantum memory.

Motivation & Objective

• To develop a compact, scalable quantum memory for on-chip integration using nano-scale optical modes.
• To overcome limitations of conventional quantum memories by utilizing subwavelength-confined, low-loss surface plasmon modes.
• To enable multi-mode quantum storage by exploiting the enhanced electric field in SPPs at a dielectric-metamaterial interface.
• To achieve high-fidelity storage and retrieval of quantum states using Raman echo in atomic transitions.
• To demonstrate the feasibility of quantum memory operation at the nanoscale with minimal optical loss.

Proposed method

• Utilizes magnetic surface plasmon polaritons (SPPs) at the interface between a dielectric and a negative-index metamaterial to confine light below the diffraction limit.
• Employs a Raman atomic transition to mediate the interaction between the SPP modes and the atomic ensemble, enabling photon echo-based quantum memory.
• Engineers the SPP mode to enhance the electric field component while minimizing propagation losses.
• Applies a sequence of laser pulses to create a photon echo, allowing for time-reversal of the excitation and perfect retrieval of stored quantum states.
• Designs the system to support multiple spatial or spectral modes simultaneously, enabling multi-mode operation.
• Relies on the quantum coherence of the atomic ensemble to preserve the quantum state during storage and retrieval.

Experimental results

Research questions

• RQ1 Can low-loss, subwavelength-confined SPP modes be used to enable efficient quantum memory at the nanoscale?
• RQ2 Can the Raman echo technique in atomic systems be adapted to store and retrieve quantum states in SPP modes?
• RQ3 Is multi-mode quantum storage feasible using SPPs with enhanced field confinement?
• RQ4 What is the role of the negative-index metamaterial in enhancing SPP mode properties for quantum memory?
• RQ5 Can perfect retrieval of quantum states be achieved in a nanostructured SPP-based quantum memory system?

Key findings

• The proposed system supports low-loss magnetic SPP modes with strong field enhancement and subwavelength confinement at the dielectric-metamaterial interface.
• The Raman echo mechanism enables perfect retrieval of stored quantum states in the SPP modes, confirming high-fidelity quantum memory operation.
• The system demonstrates the potential for multi-mode quantum storage due to the spatial and spectral multiplexing capability of the SPP modes.
• Theoretical analysis confirms that the enhanced electric field in the SPP mode significantly improves the light-matter interaction efficiency.
• The method is scalable and compatible with on-chip integration due to its nanoscale footprint and low optical loss.
• The work establishes a foundation for future experimental realization of nano-scale quantum memories using plasmonic and atomic systems.