Cavity Quantum Electrodynamics

Monday, 10. March, 9:00 h, 1A

Across a broad front in physics, an important advance in recent years has been the ability to observe and manipulate the dynamic processes of individual quantum systems. In this endeavor, cavity quantum electrodynamics (cavity QED) has played a leading role by way of investigations of strong interactions of single atoms and photons. Beyond traditional nonlinear optics, qualitatively new phenomena arise in the quantum regime of strong atom-photon coupling, including photon blockade with photon-photon interactions mediated by one atom. Because of several unique advantages, cavity QED is playing an important role in the new science of quantum information, such as for the realization of complex quantum networks. My presentation will provide an overview of the development of cavity QED and survey the diverse research activities worldwide. I will then focus on recent advances in the Quantum Optics Group at Caltech, including a new paradigm for cavity QED by way of micro-toroidal resonators.

H. Jeff Kimble
Norman Bridge Laboratory of Physics MC 12-33, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91125, USA