Generation and characterization of light polarization quantum states in atomic media

Abstract

Quantum Information has received great attention in recent years due to strong indications that the processing of information using the quantum characteristics of the systems presents a huge advantage over the conventional way (not based on the properties of quantum systems). Many impressive theoretical predictions were made, including very efficient algorithms that demonstrate the potential of quantum information processing. However, we are still far from a real machine capable of performing quantum computation. There are many technical challenges and, even, proofs of principle to assure real possibility of quantum computers, which requires deep understanding of quantum theory itself and more accurate techniques of quantum systems manipulation. Through these studies and future developments in the area, we hope to achieve the production of efficient quantum devices for transmission, storage and processing of quantum information. The main goal of this research in our group is the study and production of building blocks for processing and storing quantum information. Specifically, in this project, we present a proposal for conducting experiments in the generation and characterization of quantum states of light polarization through its interaction with coherently prepared atomic samples. The interaction between light and atoms (in a vapor cell) can modify the light quantum state inducing noise compression (squeezed states) or creating quantum correlations between two distinct fields (entangled states), which have direct applications for implementing protocols quantum. (AU)