title: Time-reversal-symmetric single-photon wave packets for free-space quantum communication.
abstract: Readout and retrieval processes are proposed for efficient, high-fidelity quantum state transfer between a matter qubit, encoded in the level structure of a single atom or ion, and a photonic qubit, encoded in a time-reversal-symmetric single-photon wave packet. They are based on controlling spontaneous photon emission and absorption of a matter qubit on demand in free space by stimulated Raman adiabatic passage. As these processes do not involve mode selection by high-finesse cavities or photon transport through optical fibers, they offer interesting perspectives as basic building blocks for free-space quantum-communication protocols.
authors.affiliation: Institut für Angewandte Physik, Technische Universität Darmstadt, 64289 Darmstadt, Germany.
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Trautmann
authors.affiliation: Institut für Angewandte Physik, Technische Universität Darmstadt, 64289 Darmstadt, Germany.
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Alber
authors.affiliation: Department of Physics, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Oklahoma 74078, USA.
authors.forename: G S
authors.initials: GS
authors.lastname: Agarwal
authors.affiliation: Max-Planck-Institut für die Physik des Lichts, Günther-Scharowsky-Straße 1, Bau 24, 91058 Erlangen, Germany.|Department für Physik, Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Staudtstraße 7, Bau 2, 91058 Erlangen, Germany.
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Leuchs