Atomic quantum superposition state generation via optical probing

TL;DR

This paper analyzes a protocol for creating atomic superposition states using optical probing and conditional measurements, exploring the effects of different light sources and the general applicability of the stochastic master equations involved.

Contribution

It introduces a detailed analysis of a protocol for generating atomic superpositions via optical probing with continuous beams, including the use of stochastic master equations.

Findings

Protocol effectively creates atomic superpositions

Cavity-enhanced probing improves state preparation

Applicable to coherent and squeezed light sources

Abstract

We analyze the performance of a protocol to prepare an atomic ensemble in a superposition of two macroscopically distinguishable states. The protocol relies on conditional measurements performed on a light field, which interacts with the atoms inside an optical cavity prior to detection, and we investigate cavity enhanced probing with continuous beams of both coherent and squeezed light. The stochastic master equations used in the analysis are expressed in terms of the Hamiltonian of the probed system and the interaction between the probed system and the probe field and are thus quite generally applicable.