Phantom Photons for Quantum Communication
S. J. van Enk, Harry J. Kimble, J. I. Cirac, P. Zoller · arXiv (Cornell University) · 1998
We show that quantum information may be transferred between atoms in different locations by using ``phantom photons'': the atoms are coupled through electromagnetic fields, but the corresponding field modes do not have to be fully populated. In this way, errors in quantum information processing due to photon absorption are diminished. In the case where atoms are placed inside optical cavities, this effect persists up to intercavity distances of several meters for the current levels of cavity losses.