Quantum State Engineering and Precision Metrology using State-Insensitive Light Traps

TL;DR

This paper reviews recent advances in quantum state engineering and precision metrology using state-insensitive optical traps that enable coherent control of atomic states for applications like atomic clocks and cavity QED.

Contribution

It summarizes experimental techniques and results for using wavelength- and polarization-tuned optical traps to achieve state-insensitive confinement and coherent control of neutral atoms.

Findings

Enhanced precision in optical atomic clocks.

Coherent control of atom-photon interactions in cavity QED.

Potential for improved quantum measurement techniques.

Abstract

Precision metrology and quantum measurement often demand matter be prepared in well defined quantum states for both internal and external degrees of freedom. Laser-cooled neutral atoms localized in a deeply confining optical potential satisfy this requirement. With an appropriate choice of wavelength and polarization for the optical trap, two electronic states of an atom can experience the same trapping potential, permitting coherent control of electronic transitions independent of the atomic center-of-mass motion. We review a number of recent experiments that use this approach to investigate precision quantum metrology for optical atomic clocks and coherent control of optical interactions of single atoms and photons within the context of cavity quantum electrodynamics. We also provide a brief survey of promising prospects for future work.