Cavity QED with Strong Coupling — Toward the Deterministic Control of Quantum Dynamics

Abstract

Many of the current efforts to control the dynamics of individual quantum systems take place within the setting of cavity quantum electrodynamics (QED). The coupling of an atomic dipole to the mode of an optical resonator has historically produced important quantum effects in the regime of weak coupling between dipole and cavity mode; more recent experiments access the regime of strong coupling and begin to enable control of the quantum states of single atoms and single-photon fields through a coherent coupling that exceeds dissipative rates in the system. We briefly review the historical path to strong coupling and the variety of experiments involving single-quantum cavity QED. Current achievements and future challenges are illustrated through further discussion of two ongoing experiments in out group: one pursuing quantum feedback to trap single atoms in a cavity mode with single photons, the other building capability for quantum logic by using a FORT to hold atoms within a cavity mode. [Note that the presentation on which this paper is based can be accessed at http://www.its.caltech.edu/qoptics/cqed.html]