Cavity Quantum Electrodynamics: Quantum Information Processing with Atoms and Photons

Summary

The simplest model in quantum optics deals with a single two‐level atom interacting with a single mode of the radiation field. This ideal situation is implemented in cavity quantum electrodynamics (QED) experiments, using high‐quality microwave or high‐finesse optical cavities as photon boxes. It provides a fruitful test bench for fundamental quantum processes and a promising ground for quantum information processing. This chapter gives a brief introduction into cavity QED, both microwave and optical. It then highlights the basic properties, discusses some selected achievements, and mentions a few perspectives for quantum information processing. Cavity QED experiments are initially measured modifications of spontaneous emission rates or spatial patterns in low‐quality cavities. They evolved to higher and higher atom‐cavity couplings and photon storage times. The chapter concentrates mainly on some recent experimental work performed at ENS and MPQ.