Abstract-Toward Quantum Processing in Molecules: A THz-Bandwidth Coherent Memory for Light

Philip J. Bustard, Rune Lausten, Duncan G. England, and Benjamin J. Sussman^* 
National Research Council of Canada, 100 Sussex Drive, Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0R6, Canada

http://prl.aps.org/abstract/PRL/v111/i8/e083901

The unusual features of quantum mechanics are enabling the development of technologies not possible with classical physics. These devices utilize nonclassical phenomena in the states of atoms, ions, and solid-state media as the basis for many prototypes. Here we investigate molecular states as a distinct alternative. We demonstrate a memory for light based on storing photons in the vibrations of hydrogen molecules. The THz-bandwidth molecular memory is used to store 100-fs pulses for durations up to ∼1  ns, enabling ∼10⁴ operational time bins. The results demonstrate the promise of molecules for constructing compact ultrafast quantum photonic technologies.