Abstract

Future applications in quantum information science critically rely on realistic quantum memories (QM) for light [1]. Such devices allow coherent and reversible transfer of quantum information between flying qubits (typically encoded in photons) and long-lived matter qubits (typically encoded in atomic states). Photonic QMs constitute for example central building blocks in linear optics quantum computing or long-distance quantum communication based on quantum repeaters [2]. An important benchmark for realistic QMs is the capability of storing several qubits at the same time and selectively read them out afterwards, using e.g. temporal multiplexing. This ability holds great promise for significant speedup in quantum communication tasks [3]. Although cold atomic ensembles provide excellent QMs, temporal multiplexed storage of single photons has not been achieved in these systems yet. We now demonstrate a significant step towards this goal.

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