An exciting direction for releasing large-scale quantum networks is the use of atoms interfaced with light in the form of collective excitations known as dark state polaritons (DSPs). A major application of DSPs is to coherently store and retrieve single photons with arbitrary polarization states. By applying various experimental techniques, we achieve storage fidelities that surpass any classical strategies in a warm 87Rb atomic vapour. The latest generation of these quantum memories are now fully portable and are integrated into quantum-secured networks and hybrid networks of quantum dot photon sources. It is also possible to create superposition of several DSPs using an atomic tripod configuration. By addressing specific atomic transitions using multiple control light fields, we create interaction between the tripod DSPs, following dynamics outlined by Dirac-like Hamiltonians. We use this platform to experimentally demonstrate an analogue simulation of relativistic fermions with variable mass and the Jackiw-Rebbi model. Similar experiments are also done to induce phase-phase modulation for single photon level pulses using DSPs in closed loops. These devices can be the promising building blocks of the first scalable quantum network at room temperature.
Host: Jack Harris