20 Years of Quantum Memories

Optical quantum memory is a key enabler for a broad spectrum of applications in quantum information, ranging from resource synchronization to scalable entanglement distribution at long distance. Large atomic ensembles provide efficient light-matter interfaces, and many early advancements in this field can be traced back to pioneering experiments conducted at Caltech. These include the developments of DLCZ building blocks, the experimental study of collective atomic excitations, the heralded entanglement between remote memories and the creation of rudimentary quantum networks. In this talk, I will review these first demonstrations carried out with H. Jeff Kimble and my colleagues nearly two decades ago, as well as the evolution of the field that has been driven by these initial works and Jeff’s visionary leadership.