Towards an eficient atomic frequency comb quantum memory

TL;DR

This paper demonstrates an efficient photon-echo quantum memory using atomic frequency combs in a Pr3+-doped crystal, achieving up to 35% energy retrieval, advancing quantum communication technologies.

Contribution

It presents the first high-efficiency photon-echo experiment with atomic frequency combs in a solid-state crystal, showing potential for quantum memory applications.

Findings

Achieved up to 35% energy retrieval efficiency.

Validated a simple theoretical model with experimental data.

Highlighted potential for long-distance quantum communication.

Abstract

We present an efficient photon-echo experiment based on atomic frequency combs [Phys. Rev. A 79, 052329 (2009)]. Echoes containing an energy of up to 35% of that of the input pulse are observed in a Pr3+-doped Y2SiO5 crystal. This material allows for the precise spectral holeburning needed to make a sharp and highly absorbing comb structure. We compare our results with a simple theoretical model with satisfactory agreement. Our results show that atomic frequency combs has the potential for high-efficiency storage of single photons as required in future long-distance communication based on quantum repeaters.