Single-shot measurements of phonon number states using the Autler-Townes effect

Description

We present a single-shot method to measure motional states in the number basis. The technique can be applied to systems with at least three non-degenerate energy levels which can be coupled to a linear quantum harmonic oscillator, such as in trapped ion experiments. The method relies on probing an Autler-Townes splitting that arises when two levels are strongly coupled via a phonon-number changing transition. We demonstrate the method using a single trapped ion and show that it may be used in a non-demolition fashion to prepare phonon number states. We also show how the Autler-Townes splitting can be used to measure phonon number distributions.

Abstract

International audience

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