Multiple images storage and frequency conversion in a cold atomic ensemble

TL;DR

This paper demonstrates a method for storing multiple optical images at different frequencies in a cold atomic ensemble using electromagnetically induced transparency, enabling frequency conversion and superposition of images for quantum information applications.

Contribution

It introduces a novel experimental approach for multimode frequency and spatial image storage and conversion in a cold atomic ensemble, enhancing quantum memory capabilities.

Findings

Successful storage of multiple images with different frequencies and spatial information.

High-efficiency frequency conversion of retrieved images.

Potential to create superpositions of images using a beamsplitter function.

Abstract

The strong demand for quantum memory, a key building block of quantum network, has inspired new methodologies and led to experimental progress for quantum storage. The use of quantum memory for spatial multimode or image storage could dramatically increase the channel bit-rate. Furthermore, quantum memory that can store multiple optical modes would lead to higher efficiencies in quantum communication and computation. Here, by using resonant tripod electromagnetically induced transparency in a cold atomic ensemble, we experimentally demonstrate multiple probes storage in frequency domain, where two probe fields have discrete wavelengths and different spatial information. In addition, by using different read-light, we realize frequency conversion of retrieved images with high efficiency. Besides, our method could be used to create a superposition of the images by realizing the function of a beamsplitter. All advantages make our method useful in many fields including quantum information, detection, imaging, sensing and even astrophysical observation.