Berlin 2014 – scientific programme
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Q: Fachverband Quantenoptik und Photonik
Q 69: Quantum effects: Interference and correlations II
Q 69.4: Talk
Friday, March 21, 2014, 17:15–17:30, DO26 208
Quantum interference in absorption and emission of single photons by a single ion — •Philipp Müller, Michael Schug, Christoph Kurz, Pascal Eich, Jan Huwer, and Jürgen Eschner — Experimentalphysik, Universität des Saarlandes, Saarbrücken, Germany
We generate phase-controlled quantum beats in Raman scattering of single photons from a single trapped 40Ca+ ion. In two distinct excitation schemes, two disparate physical origins of quantum beats are identified.
In both schemes, we coherently prepare the ion in a certain superposition of two Zeeman sub-levels. Exciting the ion from there to a single state (Λ-shaped scheme) leads to interference in the absorption, observed as an intensity oscillation of the subsequently emitted photon. Excitation to two different states leads to interference in the emission, if both states decay into the same final state (V-shaped scheme). In this case the emission pattern rotates around the quantization axis.
Both kinds of oscillations are due to the Larmor precession of the initial superposition caused by a static external magnetic field. By setting the phase of the superposition and the input polarization we control the phase of the quantum beats.