Multimode image memory based on a cold atomic ensemble

TL;DR

This paper demonstrates the first experimental storage and retrieval of multiple spatial images at the single photon level using a cold atomic ensemble, advancing quantum memory capabilities for high-dimensional quantum networks.

Contribution

It presents the first experimental realization of multimode quantum image memory at the single photon level using electromagnetically induced transparency in cold atoms.

Findings

Successful storage and retrieval of two spatial images at single photon level

High visibility and similarity in image retrieval

Advancement towards high-dimensional quantum networks

Abstract

Quantum memory is one of key ingredients consisting of quantum networks, therefore storing light at single photon level is an important step for realizing quantum networks. A photon, encoded in a high-dimensional state, can significantly increase the information capacity that a photon can carry. Furthermore, quantum memories with the ability to store multiple optical modes offer advantages in speed and robustness over single mode memories in quantum communication and computation. So far, there is no any report about the storage and retrieval of multiple mode images at single photon level. Here, we give a first experimental demonstration to our best knowledge, that two spatial probe fields at single photon level, each imprinted a real image, can be stored and retrieved with a considerable visibility and similarity through electromagnetically induced transparency in cold atomic ensemble. The accomplishment of multiple modes quantum image memory would move closer towards high dimensional quantum networks.