A quantum volume hologram

TL;DR

This paper introduces a quantum volume hologram scheme for parallel, high-density quantum memory of light, utilizing counter-propagating waves in an atomic ensemble, promising improved mode capacity and simpler operation.

Contribution

It presents a novel quantum hologram scheme inspired by classical volume holography, enabling efficient, high-density, multimode quantum memory with reduced diffraction sensitivity.

Findings

Capable of storing entangled images.

Less sensitive to diffraction, allowing higher spatial mode density.

Single-pass write-in and read-out process.

Abstract

We propose a new scheme for parallel spatially multimode quantum memory for light. The scheme is based on counter-propagating quantum signal wave and strong classical reference wave, like in a classical volume hologram, and therefore can be called a quantum volume hologram. The medium for the hologram consists of a spatially extended ensemble of atoms placed in a magnetic field. The write-in and read-out of this quantum hologram is as simple as that of its classical counterpart and consists of a single pass illumination. In addition we show that the present scheme for a quantum hologram is less sensitive to diffraction and therefore is capable of achieving higher density of storage of spatial modes as compared to previous proposals. A quantum hologram capable of storing entangled images can become an important ingredient in quantum information processing and quantum imaging.