Coherent Logic Gate for Light Pulses based on Storage in a Bose-Einstein Condensate

TL;DR

This paper demonstrates a phase-coherent classical logic AND gate using light pulses stored and manipulated in a Bose-Einstein condensate, showcasing a novel approach to optical quantum information processing.

Contribution

It introduces a new method for implementing a phase-coherent optical AND gate using atomic four-wave mixing in a Bose-Einstein condensate.

Findings

Successful demonstration of a phase-coherent optical AND gate

Storage and retrieval of light pulses in a Bose-Einstein condensate

Generation of a new optical wave only when both inputs are present

Abstract

A classical logic gate connecting input and output light pulses is demonstrated. The gate operation is based on three steps: First, two incoming light pulses are stored in a Bose-Einstein condensate, second, atomic four-wave mixing generates a new matter wave, and third, the light pulses are retrieved. In the presence of the new matter wave, the retrieval generates a new optical wave. The latter will only be generated if both input light pulses are applied, thus realizing an AND gate. Finally, we show that the gate operation is phase coherent, an essential prerequisite for a quantum logic gate.