title: Polarization-controlled single photons.
abstract: Vacuum-stimulated Raman transitions are driven between two magnetic substates of a 87Rb atom strongly coupled to an optical cavity. A magnetic field lifts the degeneracy of these states, and the atom is alternately exposed to laser pulses of two different frequencies. This produces a stream of single photons with alternating circular polarization in a predetermined spatiotemporal mode. MHz repetition rates are possible as no recycling of the atom between photon generations is required. Photon indistinguishability is tested by time-resolved two-photon interference.
authors.affiliation: Max-Planck-Institut für Quantenoptik, Hans-Kopfermann-Strasse 1, 85748 Garching, Germany.
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Wilk
authors.forename: S C
authors.initials: SC
authors.lastname: Webster
authors.forename: H P
authors.initials: HP
authors.lastname: Specht
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Rempe
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Kuhn