Interactions in Quantum Networks with Pulse Propagation Delays

TL;DR

This paper presents a theoretical method to account for propagation delays in quantum networks caused by finite light speed, avoiding full field mode quantization, and demonstrates it through atomic excitation analysis.

Contribution

It introduces a novel theoretical approach to incorporate pulse propagation delays in quantum network models without full field quantization.

Findings

Method effectively models delays in quantum networks.

Application to Ramsey excitation demonstrates practical utility.

Avoids complex quantization of continuum field modes.

Abstract

The finite speed of light of pulses implies propagation delays between the generation of light, the interaction with different elements along its path and the final detection at the output of networks and interferometers. We show that it is possible to take these delays into account with a theoretical method which evades quantization of the full continuum of field modes. We illustrate the use of this method by analyzing Ramsey excitation of an atom by a split and delayed quantum pulse.