IOP Edinburgh Winter Lectures - How to use quantum coherence to trap light: The lazy person’s guide to USB drives of the future

In this contribution, I will highlight how quantum physics can give us access to new technological tools and I will present a strategy to develop quantum devices, as e.g. photonic quantum memories, using crystals. These are interfaces between light and atoms that lay the bases of quantum information science, whose purpose is to open new possibilities for the transmission and the processing of information. They are crucial, for example, for the realization of quantum networks. While the first proof of principle demonstrations of quantum memories were carried out in ensembles of atomic gases, recently, some solid-state systems have emerged as a promising alternative. I will explain how protocols for the storage of light work in a solid-state environment and show that it is possible to take advantage of light confinement in extremely small structures to enhance the interaction between the light and the atoms of the crystal.

The first lecture in the 2019-2020 series of IOP Edinburgh Winter Lectures at the Royal Society of Edinburgh (22-26 George St, Edinburgh EH2 2PQ).

The lecture starts at 7:30 pm, with refreshments sponsored by Renishaw from 7:00 pm. All are welcome to attend.

For any enquiries, contact Robert R. Thomson (R.R.Thomson@hw.ac.uk )