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Optical systems are often subject to parametric instability caused by the delayed response of the optical field to the system dynamics. In some cases, parasitic photothermal effects aggravate the instability by adding new interaction dynamics. This may lead to the possible insurgence or amplification of parametric gain that can further destabilize the system. In this paper, we show that the photothermal properties of an optomechanical cavity can be modified to mitigate or even completely cancel optomechanical instability. By inverting the sign of the photothermal interaction to let it cooperate with radiation pressure, we achieve control of the system dynamics to be fully balanced around a stable equilibrium point. Our study provides a feedback solution for optical control and precise metrological applications, specifically in high-sensitivity resonating systems that are particularly susceptible to parasitic photothermal effects, such as our test case of a macroscopic optical levitation setup. This passive stabilization technique is beneficial for improving system performance limited by photothermal dynamics in broad areas of optics, optomechanics, photonics, and laser technologies., Comment: 15 pages, 5 figures

Sources of pure and indistinguishable single-photons are critical for near-future optical quantum technologies. Recently, color centers hosted by two-dimensional hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) have ...

Results are reported from the first full-scale search for transient signals from exotic fields of astrophysical origin using data from a newly constructed Earth-scale detector: the Global Network of Optical Magnetometers for Exotic physics searches (GNOME). Data collected by the GNOME consist of correlated measurements from optical atomic magnetometers located in laboratories all over the world. GNOME data are searched for patterns of signals propagating through the network consistent with exotic fields composed of ultralight bosons such as axion-like particles (ALPs). Analysis of data from a continuous month-long operation of the GNOME finds no statistically significant signals consistent with those expected due to encounters with topological defects (axion domain walls), placing new experimental constraints on such dark matter scenarios.

Photothermal effects can alter the response of an optical cavity, for example, by inducing self-locking behavior or unstable anomalies. The consequences of these effects are often regarded as parasitic and generally cause limited operational performance of the cavity. Despite their importance, however, photothermal parameters are usually hard to characterize precisely. In this work we use an optical cavity strongly coupled to photothermal effects to experimentally observe an optical back-action on the photothermal relaxation rate. This effect, reminiscent of the radiation-pressure-induced optical spring effect in cavity optomechanical systems, uses optical detuning as a fine control to change the photothermal relaxation process. The photothermal relaxation rate of the system can be accordingly modified by more than an order of magnitude. This approach offers an opportunity to obtain precise in-situ estimations of the parameters of the cavity, in a way that is compatible with a wide range of optical resonator platforms. Through this back-action effect we are able to determine the natural photothermal relaxation rate and the effective thermal conductivity of the cavity mirrors with unprecedented resolution., 11 pages, 4 figures

Optical levitation of mechanical oscillators has been suggested as a promising way to decouple the environmental noise and increase the mechanical quality factor. Here, we investigate the dynamics of a free-standing mirror acting as the top reflector of a vertical optical cavity, designed as a testbed for a tripod cavity optical levitation setup. To reach the regime of levitation for a milligram-scale mirror, the optical intensity of the intracavity optical field approaches 3 MW cm$^{-2}$. We identify three distinct optomechanical effects: excitation of acoustic vibrations, expansion due to photothermal absorption, and partial lift-off of the mirror due to radiation pressure force. These effects are intercoupled via the intracavity optical field and induce complex system dynamics inclusive of high-order sideband generation, optical bistability, parametric amplification, and the optical spring effect. We modify the response of the mirror with active feedback control to improve the overall stability of the system., 11 pages, 6 figures

Adding or subtracting a single quantum of excitation to a thermal state of a bosonic system has the counter-intuitive effect of approximately doubling its mean occupation. We perform the first experimental demonstration of this effect outside optics by implementing single-phonon addition and subtraction to a thermal state of a mechanical oscillator via Brillouin optomechanics in an optical whispering-gallery microresonator. Using a detection scheme that combines single-photon counting and optical heterodyne detection, we observe this doubling of the mechanical thermal fluctuations to a high precision. The capabilities of this joint click-dyne detection scheme adds a significant new dimension for optomechanical quantum science and applications.

Ultralight bosons such as axion-like particles are viable candidates for dark matter. They can form stable, macroscopic field configurations in the form of topological defects that could concentrate the dark matter density into many distinct, compact spatial regions that are small compared with the Galaxy but much larger than the Earth. Here we report the results of the search for transient signals from the domain walls of axion-like particles by using the global network of optical magnetometers for exotic (GNOME) physics searches. We search the data, consisting of correlated measurements from optical atomic magnetometers located in laboratories all over the world, for patterns of signals propagating through the network consistent with domain walls. The analysis of these data from a continuous month-long operation of GNOME finds no statistically significant signals, thus placing experimental constraints on such dark matter scenarios., A search for transient dark matter in the form of domain walls of axion-like particles finds no statistically significant signal. This places constraints on our theoretical understanding of such scenarios.

Machine learning based on artificial neural networks has emerged as an efficient means to develop empirical models of complex systems. Cold atomic ensembles have become commonplace in laboratories around the world, however, many-body interactions give rise to complex dynamics that preclude precise analytic optimisation of the cooling and trapping process. Here, we implement a deep artificial neural network to optimise the magneto-optic cooling and trapping of neutral atomic ensembles. The solution identified by machine learning is radically different to the smoothly varying adiabatic solutions currently used. Despite this, the solutions outperform best known solutions producing higher optical densities., Dynamics in cold atomic ensembles involve complex many-body interactions that are hard to treat analytically. Here, the authors use machine learning to optimise the cooling and trapping of neutral atoms, showing an improvement in the resulting resonant optical depth compared to more traditional solutions.

We analyse the dynamics of a one-dimensional vertical Fabry-P\'erot cavity, where the upper mirror levitates due to intra-cavity radiation pressure force. A perturbative approach is used based around separation of timescales, which allows us to calculate the physical quantities of interest. Due to the dynamics of the cavity field, we find that the upper mirror's motion will always be unstable for levitation performed using only a single laser. Stability can be achieved for two lasers, where one provides the trapping potential and the other a damping effect, and we locate and characterise all parameter regimes where this can occur. Finally we analyse photothermal effects due to heating of the mirror substrate. We show that this can stabilise the system, even with only a single input laser, if it acts to increase the optical path length of the cavity. This work serves as a foundation for understanding how levitated optical cavity schemes can be used as stable metrological platforms., Comment: 14 pages, 7 figures. Code & data available for download at github.com/ruvilecamwasam/lmdynamics

Color centers in solid state crystals have become a frequently used system for single photon generation, advancing the development of integrated photonic devices for quantum optics and quantum communication applications. In particular, defects hosted by two-dimensional (2D) hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) are a promising candidate for next-generation single photon sources, due to its chemical and thermal robustness and high brightness at room temperature. The 2D crystal lattice of hBN allows for a high extraction efficiency and easy integration into photonic circuits. Here we develop plasma etching techniques with subsequent high temperature annealing to reliably create defects. We show how different fabrication parameters influence the defect formation probability and the emitter brightness. A full optical characterization reveals the higher quality of the created quantum emitters, represented by a narrow spectrum, short excited state lifetime and high single photon purity. We also investigated the photostability on short and very long timescales. We utilize a wet chemically-assisted transfer process to reliably transfer the single photon sources onto arbitrary substrates, demonstrating the feasibility for the integration into scalable photonic quantum information processing networks., Comment: revised version

Quantum repeaters are foundational to establishing the long distance quantum communication channels necessary to create a global communication network [1]. A quantum memory capable of storing optical quantum states is an integral component of the quantum repeater.

Characteristic for devices based on two-dimensional materials are their low size, weight and power requirements. This makes them advantageous for use in space instrumentation, including photovoltaics, batteries, electronics, sensors and light sources for long-distance quantum communication. Here we present a comprehensive study on combined radiation effects in Earth’s atmosphere on various devices based on these nanomaterials. Using theoretical modeling packages, we estimate relevant radiation levels and then expose field-effect transistors, single-photon sources and monolayers as building blocks for future electronics to γ-rays, protons and electrons. The devices show negligible change in performance after the irradiation, suggesting robust suitability for space use. Under excessive γ-radiation, however, monolayer WS2 shows decreased defect densities, identified by an increase in photoluminescence, carrier lifetime and a change in doping ratio proportional to the photon flux. The underlying mechanism is traced back to radiation-induced defect healing, wherein dissociated oxygen passivates sulfur vacancies., The potential of 2D materials for space applications has been surfaced recently, however a comprehensive assessment of their suitability is currently missing. Here, the authors investigate the radiation effects in Earth’s atmosphere on various devices based on 2D transition metal dichalcogenides and hexagonal boron nitride.

The efficiency of an ensemble-based optical quantum memory depends critically on the strength of the atom-light coupling. An optical cavity is an effective method to enhance atom-light coupling strength, with the drawback that cavities can be difficult to integrate into a memory setup. In this work we show coherent enhancement of atom-light coupling via an interference effect. The light to be absorbed into the atomic ensemble is split and used to drive the atoms from opposite ends of the ensemble. We compare this method theoretically to a cavity-enhanced scheme and present experimental results for our coherent enhancement in cold $^{87}\mathrm{Rb}$ atoms that show an efficiency of $72\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}5%$ and a storage lifetime of $110\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}10\phantom{\rule{0.28em}{0ex}}\ensuremath{\mu}\text{s}$.

The recent discovery of single-photon emitting defects hosted by the two-dimensional wide band gap semiconductor hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) has inspired a great number of experiments. Key characteristics of these quantum emitters are their capability to operate at room temperature with a high luminosity. In spite of large theoretical and experimental research efforts, the exact nature of the emission remains unresolved. In this work we utilize layer-by-layer etching of multilayer hBN to localize the quantum emitters with atomic precision. Our results suggest the position of the emitters correlates with the fabrication method: emitters formed under plasma treatment are always in close proximity to the crystal surface, while emitters created under electron irradiation are distributed randomly throughout the entire crystal. This disparity could be traced back to the lower kinetic energy of the ions in the plasma compared to the kinetic energy of the electrons in the particle accelerator. The emitter distance to the surface also correlates with the excited state lifetime: near-surface emitters have a shorter one compared to emitters deep within the crystal. Finite-difference time-domain and density functional theory simulations show that optical and electronic effects are not responsible for this difference, indicating effects such as coupling to surface defects or phonons might cause the reduced lifetime. Our results pave a way toward identification of the defect, as well as engineering the emitter properties.

A number of techniques exist to use an ensemble of atoms as a quantum memory for light. Many of these propose to use backward retrieval as a way to improve the storage and recall efficiency. We report on a demonstration of an off-resonant Raman memory that uses backward retrieval to achieve an efficiency of $65\pm6\%$ at a storage time of one pulse duration. The memory has a characteristic decay time of 60 $\mu$s, corresponding to a delay-bandwidth product of $160$.

Gradient echo memory is the most efficient quantum memory protocol to date. Recent additions of machine learning and compatible single photons can raise its performance and the possibility of using it as a quantum gate.

High precision, high numerical aperture mirrors are desirable for mediating strong atom-light coupling in quantum optics applications and can also serve as important reference surfaces for optical metrology. In this work we demonstrate the fabrication of highly-precise hemispheric mirrors with numerical aperture NA = 0.996. The mirrors were fabricated from aluminum by single-point diamond turning using a stable ultra-precision lathe calibrated with an in-situ white-light interferometer. Our mirrors have a diameter of 25 mm and were characterized using a combination of wide-angle single-shot and small-angle stitched multi-shot interferometry. The measurements show root-mean-square (RMS) form errors consistently below 25 nm. The smoothest of our mirrors has a RMS error of 14 nm and a peak-to-valley (PV) error of 88 nm, which corresponds to a form accuracy of λ/50 for visible optics.

Quantum information systems demand methods for the storage and manipulation of qubits. For optical qubits, atomic ensembles provide a potential platform for such operations. In this work, we demonstrate a stopped light optical quantum memory with efficiency up to 87%. We also demonstrate and visualise stationary light, which could potentially enhance weak optical nonlinearities. At the heart of our experiments is a laser-cooled atomic ensemble, which has recently been optimised with the help of a machine learning system that uses an artificial neural network.

When ensembles of atoms interact with coherent light fields a great many interesting and useful effects can be observed. In particular, the group velocity of the coherent fields can be modified dramatically. Electromagnetically induced transparency is perhaps the best known example, giving rise to very slow light. Careful tuning of the optical fields can also produce stored light where a light field is mapped completely into a coherence of the atomic ensemble. In contrast to stored light, in which the optical field is extinguished, stationary light is a bright field of light with a group velocity of zero. Stationary light has applications in situations where it is important to maintain an optical field, such as attempts to engineer large nonlinear interactions. In this paper we review the stationary light demonstrations published to date and provide a unified theoretical framework that describes the experimental observations. We also discuss possible applications of stationary light with a particular focus on all-optical phase gates for quantum information technology.

Second generation ground-based gravitational wave detectors, scheduled to be operating by the middle of this decade, will be limited in sensitivity over much of their detection range by optical quantum noise. As they will be operating at power levels close to the tolerance of the optical components, significant further improvement in sensitivity will require the use of quantum optical techniques such as the injection of squeezed states. In this paper we briefly review squeezing and plans for its implementation into advanced gravitational wave detectors.

We investigate continuous variable quantum teleportation. We discuss the methods presently used to characterize teleportation in this regime, and propose an extension of the measures proposed by Grangier and Grosshans , and Ralph and Lam . This new measure, the gain normalized conditional variance product M, turns out to be highly significant for continuous variable entanglement swapping procedures, which we examine using a necessary and sufficient criterion for entanglement. We elaborate on our recent experimental continuous variable quantum teleportation results , demonstrating success over a wide range of teleportation gains. We analyze our results using fidelity; signal transfer, and the conditional variance product; and a measure derived in this paper, the gain normalized conditional variance product.

Optical quantum nondemolition measurements are performed using a beamsplitter with a nonclassical meter input and a electro-optic feedforward loop. The nonclassical meter input is provided by a stable 4.5 dB amplitude squeezed source generated by an optical parametric amplifier. We show that the implementation of a feedforward loop gives a substantial improvement in the signal transfer efficiency. With a 92% reflective beamsplitter we measure a transfer coefficient of Ts+m = 1.81. The quantum state preparation ability of our system is evaluated using two-dimensional correlation plots. This technique allows the direct visualization of the quantum correlations between the outputs of the QND system.

Stationary and slow light effects are of great interest for quantum information applications. Using laser-cooled Rb87 atoms we have performed side imaging of our atomic ensemble under slow and stationary light conditions, which allows direct comparison with numerical models. The polaritions were generated using electromagnetically induced transparency (EIT), with stationary light generated using counter-propagating control fields. By controlling the power ratio of the two control fields we show fine control of the group velocity of the stationary light. We also compare the dynamics of stationary light using monochromatic and bichromatic control fields. Our results show negligible difference between the two situations, in contrast to previous work in EIT based systems.

The Amaldi 10 Parallel Session C3 on Advanced Gravitational Wave detectors gave an overview of the status and several specific challenges and solutions relevant to the instruments planned for a mid-decade start of observation. Invited overview talks for the Virgo, LIGO, and KAGRA instruments were complemented by more detailed discussions in presentations and posters of some instrument features and designs. © 2014 Springer Science+Business Media New York.

Methods for the enhancement of optical quantum nondemolition (QND) measurements are discussed. We review the use of meter squeezing; as a QND enhancement tool and present a method of QND enhancement using an electro-optic feed-forward amplifier. By applying a linearized theory it is shown that these techniques work very well together. The combined effect of these enhancement methods is modeled for two QND systems, a squeezed light beam splitter and an optical parametric amplifier. We also discuss the conflict between the normal QND criteria and QND systems that involve noiseless amplification. We use an additional parameter to quantify the problem. A method for correcting the effects of noiseless amplification is discussed and modeled. We also discuss a special case of QND that eliminates the optical interaction between the meter and signal input beams. This system is shown to be a very effective QND device. [S1050-2947(99)06411-2].

Theoretical results are presented that show that noiseless phase quadrature amplification is possible, and limited experimentally only by the efficiency of the phase-detection system. Experimental results obtained using a neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet laser show a signal gain of 10 dB and a signal transfer ratio of T-s=0.9. This result easily exceeds the standard quantum limit for signal transfer. The results also explicitly demonstrate the phase-sensitive nature of the amplification process. [S1050-2947(99)01107-5].

We present unified theoretical expressions for laser intensity noise in the presence of injection locking and feedback. We discuss optimum control strategies for different configurations and frequency regions. We illustrate the various effects with experimental results from Nd : YAG non-planar ring oscillator lasers.

A fully quantum-mechanical model of feedback to the pump source of a four-level laser is developed with a view to predicting the achievable intensity noise reduction. For solid-state lasers, the model shows that quantum noise sources due to laser dynamics have a significant impact on the optimization of the feedback loop, Experimental results obtained with a diode pumped neodymium:yttrium aluminum garnet (Nd:YAG) laser are found to be in good agreement with the theoretical model. The ultimate limit to the noise suppression comes from the quantum noise due to the measurement processes in the feedback loop. A scheme to overcome this limit using a squeezed vacuum is theoretically demonstrated to be a highly efficient method of generating bright intensity squeezed light, particularly in the kHz regime where bright squeezing is otherwise difficult to obtain. [S1050-2947(97)08111-0].

We present a quantum repeater scheme that uses gradient echo memory and probabilistic noiseless amplification. We show that a quantum memory can process quantum information and a noiseless amplifier can distill entanglement.

Nearly a century after Einstein first predicted the existence of gravitational waves, a global network of Earth-based gravitational wave observatories1,2,3,4 is seeking to directly detect this faint radiation using precision laser interferometry. Photon shot noise, due to the quantum nature of light, imposes a fundamental limit on the attometre-level sensitivity of the kilometre-scale Michelson interferometers deployed for this task. Here, we inject squeezed states to improve the performance of one of the detectors of the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory (LIGO) beyond the quantum noise limit, most notably in the frequency region down to 150 Hz, critically important for several astrophysical sources, with no deterioration of performance observed at any frequency. With the injection of squeezed states, this LIGO detector demonstrated the best broadband sensitivity to gravitational waves ever achieved, with important implications for observing the gravitational-wave Universe with unprecedented sensitivity Fil: Aasi, J.. California Institute of Technology; Estados Unidos Fil: Abadie, J.. California Institute of Technology; Estados Unidos Fil: Abbott, P.. California Institute of Technology; Estados Unidos Fil: Abbott, R.. California Institute of Technology; Estados Unidos Fil: Abbott, T. D.. State University of Louisiana; Estados Unidos Fil: Kozameh, Carlos Nicolas. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentina Fil: Winkelmann, L.. Max Planck Institut f¨ur Gravitationsphysik; Alemania. Leibniz Universit¨at Hannover; Alemania Fil: Winkler, W.. Max Planck Institut f¨ur Gravitationsphysik; Alemania. Leibniz Universit¨at Hannover; Alemania Fil: Wip, C. C.. Massachusetts Institute of Technology; Estados Unidos Fil: Wittel, H.. Max Planck Institut f¨ur Gravitationsphysik; Alemania. Leibniz Universit¨at Hannover; Alemania Fil: Woan, G.. University of Glasgow; Reino Unido Fil: Wooley, R.. Livingston Observatory; Estados Unidos Fil: Worden, J.. Hanford Observatory; Estados Unidos Fil: Yablon, J.. Northwestern University; Estados Unidos Fil: Yakushin, I.. Livingston Observatory; Estados Unidos Fil: Yamamoto, H.. California Institute of Technology; Estados Unidos Fil: Yancey, C. C.. University of Maryland; Estados Unidos Fil: Yang, H.. Caltech-CaRT; Estados Unidos Fil: Yeaton Massey, D.. California Institute of Technology; Estados Unidos Fil: Yoshida, S.. Southeastern Louisiana University; Estados Unidos Fil: Yum, H.. Northwestern University; Estados Unidos Fil: Zanolin, M.. Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University; Estados Unidos Fil: Zhang, F.. Massachusetts Institute of Technology; Estados Unidos Fil: Zhang, L.. California Institute of Technology; Estados Unidos Fil: Zhao, C.. University of Western Australia; Australia Fil: Zhu, H.. State University of Pennsylvania; Estados Unidos Fil: Zhu, X. J.. University of Western Australia; Australia Fil: Zotov, N.. Louisiana Tech University; Estados Unidos Fil: Zucker, M. E.. Massachusetts Institute of Technology; Estados Unidos Fil: Zweizig, J.. California Institute of Technology; Estados Unidos

The goal of quantum benchmarking is to certify that imperfect quantum communication devices (e.g., quantum channels, quantum memories, quantum key distribution systems) can still be used for meaningful quantum communication. However, the test states used in quantum benchmarking experiments may be imperfect as well. Many quantum benchmarks are only valid for states which match some ideal form, such as pure states or Gaussian states. We outline how to perform quantum benchmarking using arbitrary states of light. We demonstrate these results using real data taken from a continuous-variable quantum memory., 14 pages, 3 figures. Updated to more closely match the published version

A squeezed light source requires properties such as high squeezing amplitude, high bandwidth and stability over time, ideally using as few resources, such as laser power, as possible. We compare three nonlinear materials, two of which have not been well characterized for squeezed state production, and also investigate the viability of doubly-resonant optical parametric oscillator cavities in achieving these requirements. A model is produced that provides a new way of looking at the construction of an optical parametric oscillator/optical parametric amplifier setup where second harmonic power is treated as a limited resource. The well-characterized periodically poled potassium titanyl phosphate (PPKTP) is compared in an essentially identical setup to two relatively new materials, periodically poled stoichiometric lithium tantalate (PPSLT) and 1.7% magnesium oxide doped periodically poled stoichiometric lithium niobate (PPSLN). Although from the literature PPSLT and PPSLN present advantages such as a higher damage threshold and a higher nonlinearity, respectively, PPKTP was still found to have the most desirable properties. With PPKTP, 5.8 dB of squeezing below the shot noise limit was achieved. With PPSLT, 5.0 dB of squeezing was observed but the power required to see this squeezing was much higher than expected. A technical problem with the PPSLN limited the observed squeezing to around 1.0 dB. This problem is discussed.

We present experimental results of high efficiency quantum state storage in a warm rubidium vapour cell using the gradient echo memory (GEM) technique. Without conditional measurements, we show recall fidelity up to 98% for coherent pulses containing around one photon.

We demonstrate a quantum memory based on warm Rb atoms surpassing the no-cloning limit for optical coherent states down to single photon level. The state reconstruction reveals a fidelity up to 93% with an average efficiency of 78%.

Stable squeezed noise sources of large magnitude across the audio frequency band has generated great interest in the gravitational wave community as a means for improving the quantum-noise-limited performance of advanced interferometric detectors. We present our most recent results showing 8.5dB of squeezing over most of the frequency band of interest for ground based detectors. We discuss many of the issues that were overcome in order to reach this level of squeezing at these frequencies such as scattered light, beam jitter and electronics.

We report on the production of diffractive mirrors, which generate high-order optical vortices. The mirrors are produced by direct machining with a diamond tool and are shown to generate high-quality optical vortices ranging in charge from 1 to 1000 at a wavelength of 532 nm.

The burgeoning fields of quantum computing and quantum key distribution have created a demand for a quantum memory. The gradient echo memory (GEM) is one such scheme that can boast efficiencies approaching unity. Here we investigate the ability of GEM to spectrally manipulate light pulses stored in the memory. Spectral manipulation is important for pulse compression sideband extraction, and matching of pulse spectra to resonant and spectroscopic systems, as well as the potential to increase qubit rates in quantum communications networks. We present both theoretical and experimental results demonstrating the ability to shift the frequency, as well as spectrally compress or expand a pulse. Also the ability of GEM to recall different frequency components of a pulse at different times, and interfere two initially time separated pulses that are stored in the memory, are shown.

We demonstrate experimentally the delay of squeezed light and entanglement using Electromagnetically Induced Transparency (EIT) in a rubidium vapour cell. We perform quadrature amplitude measurements of the probe field and find no appreciable excess noise from the EIT process. From an input squeezing of 3.1 dB at low sideband frequencies, we observed the survival of 2 dB of squeezing at the EIT output. By splitting the squeezed light on a beam-splitter, we generated biased entanglement between two beams. We transmit one of the entangled beams through the EIT cell and correlate the quantum statistics of this beam with its entangled counterpart. We experimentally observed a 2 $\mu$s delay of the biased entanglement and obtained a preserved degree of wavefunction inseparability of 0.71, below the unity value for separable states., Comment: 8 pages, 5 figures

We report on the generation of squeezed states with optical parametric oscillators. Firstly, we discuss experiments aimed toward producing stronger squeezing. We characterise three different nonlinear materials (PPKTP, PPSLN and PPSLT) in terms of their nonlinearity and optical losses to evaluate their squeezing efficacy. Secondly, we present results showing the development of squeezed states at audio sideband frequencies. Squeezing in this frequency range is required for applications in interferometric gravitational wave (GW) detectors. We discuss the significance of the results in terms of potential sensitivity improvements of current and future GW detectors and also potential upgrades to our experiment.

The aim of our work is to realize the atomic storage of continuous variable quantum information encoded in light fields. Following recent ideas, we propose a new scheme based on both Raman absorption and gradient echo and compare its efficacy with electromagnetically induced transparency (EIT)-based memories. A tuneable source of low frequency squeezing at rubidium wavelengths was built to study and compare the efficacy of the memory schemes. We will present our latest theoretical investigations and experimental observations of the coupling of squeezing to Rubidium atoms using these protocols.

We introduce a scheme for the parallel storage of frequency separated signals in an optical memory and demonstrate that this dual-rail storage is a suitable memory for high fidelity frequency qubits. The two signals are stored simultaneously in the Zeeman-split Raman absorption lines of a cold atom ensemble using gradient echo memory techniques. Analysis of the split-Zeeman storage shows that the memory can be configured to preserve the relative amplitude and phase of the frequency separated signals. In an experimental demonstration dual-frequency pulses are recalled with 35% efficiency, 82% interference fringe visibility, and 6 degrees phase stability. The fidelity of the frequency-qubit memory is limited by frequency-dependent polarisation rotation and ambient magnetic field fluctuations, our analysis describes how these can be addressed in an alternative configuration., Comment: 8 pages, 4 figures

Using electromagnetically induced transparency (EIT), it is possible to delay and store light in atomic ensembles. Theoretical modelling and recent experiments have suggested that the EIT storage mechanism can be used as a memory for quantum information. We present experiments that quantify the noise performance of an EIT system for conjugate amplitude and phase quadratures. It is shown that our EIT system adds excess noise to the delayed light that has not hitherto been predicted by published theoretical modelling. In analogy with other continuous-variable quantum information systems, the performance of our EIT system is characterised in terms of conditional variance and signal transfer., Comment: 4 pages, 4 figures

We demonstrate close to optimum control of the intensity noise of a laser by combining the techniques of laser injection locking and negative electronic feedback. The greatly increased stability of the electronic feedback loop from the output of the slave laser to its pump source that can be obtained by injection locking the slave laser is used to strongly suppress the intensity noise of this laser. We simultaneously use the injection locked output to negatively feed back to an amplitude modulator in the master laser beam and, with both control loops running, we can demonstrate intensity noise suppression of the composite system to within 1 dB of the theoretical limit at 5 kHz.

Using scanning probe techniques, we show the controlled manipulation of the radiation from single dipoles. In one experiment we study the modification of the fluorescence lifetime of a single molecular dipole in front of a movable silver mirror. A second experiment demonstrates the changing plasmon spectrum of a gold nanoparticle in front of a dielectric mirror. Comparison of our data with theoretical models allows determination of the quantum efficiency of each radiating dipole.

We demonstrate theoretically that the resonance frequencies of high-Q microcavities in two-dimensional photonic crystal membranes can be tuned over a wide range by introducing a subwavelength dielectric tip into the cavity mode. Three-dimensional finite-difference time-domain simulations show that by varying the lateral and vertical positions of the tip, it is possible to tune the resonator frequency without lowering the quality factor. Excellent agreement with a perturbative theory is obtained, showing that the tuning range is limited by the ratio of the cavity mode volume to the effective polarizability of the nanoperturber.