Building future hybrid quantum networks will require
interfacing different types of quantum systems. Photonic interconnects
between such systems have rarely been investigated due to difficulties
such as spectral mismatch. In this talk, I will discuss our progress
on interfacing photons emitted from a trapped ion with neutral
rubidium atoms. Using quantum frequency conversion, we convert 493 nm
single photons emitted from a trapped 138 Ba ion to a Rb-resonant 780
nm, whilst still preserving the quantum statistics of the photons.
Sending these photons through a heated 87 Rb cell, we observe slowed
light, demonstrating the first interaction between neutral atoms and
photons emitted from a single trapped ion. This interaction also
provides a tunable means to synchronize photon arrival times emitted
from distant trapped ion nodes in a quantum network.
Notes: Lunch served at 12:00 pm, talk at 12:15 pm.
