Multilevel Holstein-Primakoff approximation and its application to atomic spin squeezing and ensemble quantum memories

We show that an ensemble of identical d-level atoms can be efficiently described by d-1 collective oscillator degrees of freedom in the vicinity of a product state with all atoms in the same, but otherwise arbitrary single-particle state. We apply our description to two different kinds of spin squeezing: (i) when each spin-F atom is individually squeezed without creating interatomic entanglement and (ii) when a particular collective atomic oscillator mode is squeezed via quantum non-demolition (QND) measurement and feedback. When combined in sequence, the order of the two methods is relevant in the final degree of squeezing. We also discuss the role of the two kinds of squeezing when multi-sublevel atoms are used as quantum memories for light.Comment: 12 pages, 3 figure

Quantum state reconstruction with imperfect rotations on an inhomogeneously broadened ensemble of qubits

We present a method for performing quantum state reconstruction on qubits and qubit registers in the presence of decoherence and inhomogeneous broadening. The method assumes only rudimentary single qubit rotations as well as knowledge of decoherence and loss mechanisms. We show that full state reconstruction is possible even in the case where single qubit rotations may only be performed imperfectly. Furthermore we show that for ensemble quantum computing proposals, quantum state reconstruction is possible even if the ensemble experiences inhomogeneous broadening and if only imperfect qubit manipulations are available during state preparation and reconstruction.Comment: 6 pages, 5 figure

Molecule Formation in Optical Lattice Wells by Resonantly Modulated Magnetic Fields

We present a theoretical model for formation of molecules in an optical lattice well where a resonant coupling of atomic and molecular states is provided by small oscillations of a magnetic field in the vicinity of a Feshbach resonance. As opposed to an adiabatic sweep over the full resonance, this provides a coherent coupling with a frequency that can be tuned to meet resonance conditions in the system. The effective Rabi frequencies for this coupling are calculated and simulations show perfect Rabi oscillations. Robust production of molecules with an adiabatic sweep of the modulation frequency is demonstrated. For very large oscillation amplitudes, the Rabi oscillations are distorted but still effective and fast association is possible.Comment: 5 pages, 6 figure

Wave packet dynamics of the matter wave field of a Bose-Einstein condensate

We show in the framework of a tractable model that revivals and fractional revivals of wave packets afford clear signatures of the extent of departure from coherence and from Poisson statistics of the matter wave field in a Bose-Einstein condensate, or of a suitably chosen initial state of the radiation field propagating in a Kerr-like medium.Comment: 10 pages, 4 figures, RevTeX