Leuchs G (2009)
Publication Type: Journal article
Publication year: 2009
Publisher: Institute of Physics: EPL
Book Volume: 86
Pages Range: 14007
DOI: 10.1209/0295-5075/86/14007
We propose a scheme for perfect excitation of a single two-level atom by a single photon in free space. The photon state has to match the time reversed photon state originating from spontaneous decay of a two-level system. Here, we discuss its experimental preparation. The state is characterized by a particular asymmetric exponentially shaped temporal profile. Any deviations from this ideal state limit the maximum absorption. Although perfect excitation requires an infinite amount of time, we demonstrate that there is a class of initial one-photon quantum states which can achieve almost perfect absorption even for a finite interaction time. Our results pave the way for realizing perfect coupling between flying and stationary qubits in free space thus opening a possibility for building scalable quantum networks. © EPLA, 2009.
APA:
Leuchs, G. (2009). Perfect excitation of a matter qubit by a single photon in free space. EPL - Europhysics Letters, 86, 14007. https://dx.doi.org/10.1209/0295-5075/86/14007
MLA:
Leuchs, Gerd. "Perfect excitation of a matter qubit by a single photon in free space." EPL - Europhysics Letters 86 (2009): 14007.
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