This experimental research program focuses on the study of the physics of quantum entanglement in macroscopic systems. The investigators will analyze a class of systems that uses a macroscopic ensemble of atoms to represent quantum information. The atomic ensemble is excited in a way that lends itself to a description as a collective harmonic-oscillator mode, represented by a Bosonic degree-of-freedom. As such, the concepts of continuous-variable quantum information will play a role. The goal of this work is to create quantum states of collective atomic ensemble variables by conditional measurement and to create entanglement between two such distant ensembles. This will set the stage for further development of quantum communication networks over long distances. The broader impact of the program involves student education as well as new course development.
