HMC Physics Colloquium

Tuesdays at 16:30 in Shanahan Center for Teaching and Learning, Room B460

Theresa Lynn

Caltech

Dances With Atoms and Photons: Steps Toward Quantum Information Technology

March 8, 2005

The Schrödinger-cat strangeness of quantum states threatens classical information technology but at the same time offers the potential for great advances in computing and communications.  A principal challenge in designing actual quantum logic devices is the need to control quantum states and simultaneously protect delicate properties like quantum phase and entanglement.  How can we protect information encoded in a quantum mechanical system where the Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle limits useful measurement?  I explore these issues in the context of two experimental examples.  In the first, a single atom is trapped and steered by the light within an optical resonator.  In the second example, entangled light beams are used to realize "teleportation" of quantum states.