Multiplexed random-access optical memory in warm cesium vapor

The ability to store large amounts of photonic quantum states is regarded as substantial for future optical quantum computation and communication technologies. However, research for multiplexed quantum memories has been focused on systems that show good performance only after an elaborate preparation of the storage media. This makes it generally more difficult to apply outside a laboratory environment. In this work, we demonstrate a multiplexed random-access memory to store up to four optical pulses using electromagnetically induced transparency in warm cesium vapor. Using a ?-System on the hyperfine transitions of the Cs D1 line, we achieve a mean internal storage efficiency of 36% and a 1/e lifetime of 3.2 mu s. In combination with future improvements, this work facilitates the implementation of multiplexed memories in future quantum communication and computation infrastructures.

Automated summary

The importance of researching multiplexed quantum memory systems for optical quantum computation and communication technologies is highlighted, as well as the current challenge of systems that only perform well with elaborate preparation. In this study, a multiplexed random-access memory is demonstrated to store up to four optical pulses using electromagnetically induced transparency in warm cesium vapor. The results show a mean internal storage efficiency of 36% and a 1/e lifetime of 3.2 microsecond, facilitating the implementation of multiplexed memories in future quantum communication and computation infrastructures.