Optical Approach to Quantum Computing
Abstract
The primary goal of this project was to investigate the possible use of photonexchange interactions to implement quantum logic gates. The nonlinear phase shifts produced by photonexchange interactions were investigated theoretically using several different methods, including Dicke-state expansions of the excited atoms in a medium and density-matrix calculations to include the effects of collisions and spontaneous emission. An experimental investigation was performed in which two single photons were propagated through a sodium vapor cell with a laser pulse applied at the same time. The experimental results demonstrated a small nonlinear phase shift, as expected from the theoretical calculations. Errors in which the laser pulses do not return the atoms to their initial state may limit the practical applications of this approach.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 29, 2001
- Accession Number
- ADA395330
Entities
People
- James D. Franson
Organizations
- Johns Hopkins University