This experimental research program will explore quantum networking with atomic ensembles. The research will exploit atomic ensemble-light system in the regime of strong coupling. Previously studied cavity QED systems relied on very high-finesse cavities to achieve such strong atom-field coupling between a single atom and a single photon. Unlike this prior work, this new work will use collective enhancement of atom-photon interaction, provided by optically thick atomic ensembles. Particularly, the team proposes to realize a two-node quantum network by using a synergy of atomic ensembles and linear optics. The broader impact of the program involves education as well as applications to quantum communication.
