arXiv subjects

Lorena C. Bianchet

Publications and source records attributed to Lorena C. Bianchet.

6 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2024

Quantum jump photodetector for narrowband photon counting with a single atom

Using a single neutral 87Rb atom held in an optical trap, and "quantum jump" detection of single-photon-initiated state changes, we demonstrate a single-photon quantum jump photodetector (QJPD) with intrinsically narrow bandwidth and strong rejection of out-of-band photons, of interest for detecting weak optical signals in the presence of a strong broadband background. By analyzing fluorescence photon count distributions for the bright and dark states with and without excitation, we measure quantum efficiency of 2.9(2)$\times 10^{-3}$, a record for single-pass quantum jump production, and signal-photon-unprovoked "dark jump" rate - analogous to the dark count rate of other detectors - 3(10)$\times 10^{-3}$ jumps per second during passive accumulation plus 4.0(4)$\times 10^{-3}$ jumps per readout, orders of magnitude below those of traditional single-photon detectors. Available methods can substantially improve QJPD quantum efficiency, dark jump rate, bandwidth and tunability.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2024

Precise, super-resolving intensity measurement by quantum jump spectroscopy of a single neutral atom

We present precise, sub-wavelength optical intensity measurement using a single trapped $^{87}$Rb atom as a sensor. The intensity is measured by the scalar ac Stark shift it produces on the $F=1 \rightarrow F'=2$ hyperfine transition of the D$_{2}$ line, chosen for its $F' = F+1$ structure and very small tensor polarizability. To boost signal and reduce measurement-induced perturbations, we use a quantum jump spectroscopy technique in which a single absorbed photon on a transition of interest induces the scattering of hundreds of photons on a bright closed transition. The method greatly reduces systematic effects associated with the atomic state, optical polarization, probe power, and atom heating, and gives the atomic temperature as a second spectroscopic observable. We demonstrate the method by measuring the intensity at the focus of an optical tweezer.

physics.atom-ph↗

arXiv2021

Manipulating and measuring single atoms in the Maltese cross geometry

We describe optical methods for trapping, cooling, and observing single $^{87}$Rb atoms in a four-lens "Maltese cross" geometry (MCG). The use of four high numerical-aperture lenses in the cardinal directions enables efficient collection of light from non-collinear directions, but also restricts the optical access for cooling and optical pumping tasks. We demonstrate three-dimensional atom localization with sub-wavelength precision, and present measurements of the trap lifetime, temperature and transverse trap frequency in this geometry. We observe a trap performance comparable to what has been reported for single-atom traps with one- or two-lens optical systems, and conclude that the additional coupling directions provided by the MCG come at little cost to other trap characteristics.

physics.atom-ph↗

arXiv2019

Narrowband photon pairs with independent frequency tuning for quantum light-matter interactions

We describe a cavity-enhanced spontaneous parametric down-conversion (CE-SPDC) source for narrowband photon pairs with filters such that over 97% of the correlated photons are in a single mode of 4.3(4) MHz bandwidth. Type-II phase matching, a tuneable-birefringence resonator, MHz-resolution pump tuning, and tuneable Fabry-Perot filters are used to achieve independent signal and idler tuning. We map the CE-SPDC spectrum using difference frequency generation to precisely locate the emission clusters, and demonstrate CE-SPDC driven atomic spectroscopy. The generated photon pairs efficiently interact with neutral rubidium, a well-developed system for quantum networking and quantum simulation. The techniques are readily extensible to other material systems.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2019

Maltese cross coupling to individual cold atoms in free space

We report on the simultaneous observation from four directions of the fluorescence of single $^{87}$Rb atoms trapped at the common focus of four high numerical aperture (${\rm NA}=0.5$) aspheric lenses. We use an interferometrically-guided pick-and-place technique to precisely and stably position the lenses along the four cardinal directions with their foci at a single central point. The geometry gives right angle access to a single quantum emitter, and will enable new trapping, excitation, and collection methods. The fluorescence signals indicate both sub-Poissonian atom number statistics and photon anti-bunching, showing suitability for cold atom quantum optics.

physics.atom-ph↗

arXiv2017

Simultaneous tracking of spin angle and amplitude beyond classical limits

We show how simultaneous, back-action evading tracking of non-commuting observables can be achieved in a widely-used sensing technology, atomic interferometry. Using high-dynamic-range dynamically-decoupled quantum non-demolition (QND) measurements on a precessing atomic spin ensemble, we track the collective spin angle and amplitude with negligible effects from back action, giving steady-state tracking sensitivity 2.9 dB beyond the standard quantum limit and 7.0 dB beyond Poisson statistics.

quant-ph↗