Abstract

Truly functional quantum networks can be based on entanglement between light fields and optical collective excitations of an ultra-cold atomic gas created by deterministic Rydberg-level atomic interactions. Ultra-cold atoms are confined in an optical lattice with the same trapping potential for both the ground and the Rydberg atomic levels. The achieved separation of the external and internal atomic degrees of freedom is employed to entangle an optical atomic coherence and a light wavepacket, unconditionally, a priori, paving the way for the truly functional quantum networks.

© 2013 Optical Society of America