Hannover 2010 – scientific programme

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SYSA: Symposium Single Atoms

SYSA 1: Single Atoms I

SYSA 1.4: Invited Talk

Thursday, March 11, 2010, 12:00–12:30, A 320

Exploring Quantum Physics with Single Neutral Atoms — •Artur Widera — Institut für Angewandte Physik, Universität Bonn, Germany

Advances in preparation, manipulation and detection of single neutral atoms have paved the way to experimentally address fundamental questions of quantum mechanics. I will report on two approaches to realize different paradigms of quantum physics. First, trapping atoms in a state-dependent optical lattice allows us to entangle the atomic spin with both the position and the motional state of the atom. This has enabled the implementation, for instance, of the quantum walk with single atoms, the coherent walk of a quantum particle on a line. Second, we can deterministically insert a single atom into a high-finesse optical resonator and employ the coherent interaction with single photons to non-destructively study the spin dynamics of the atom. This method might prove useful in the creation and detection of non-classical atomic states.