Controlling Quantum Systems with Modulated Electron Beams

Coherent manipulation of quantum systems with precisely controlled electromagnetic fields is one of the key elements of quantum optics and quantum technologies. Here, I will give an overview of our recent work [1], which theoretically demonstrates that the non-radiative electromagnetic near-field of a temporally modulated free-space electron beam can be utilized for coherent control (even on the nanoscale e.g. in an electron microscope) of quantum systems. I show that such manipulation can be performed with only classical control over the electron beam itself and that potential challenges like shot noise and decoherence through back action on the electrons are for certain parameter ranges insignificant for our approach. I will present possible experimental realizations using laser cooled, state-selected potassium atoms or unpaired electron spins in a solid state sample such as BDPA and point out interesting applications for example painted potentials, which could be realized using a spatially modulated electron beam.





[1] D. Rätzel, D. Hartley, O. Schwartz, and P. Haslinger, Controlling Quantum Systems with Modulated Electron Beams, Phys. Rev. Res. 3, 023247 (2021).