"A life of manifestly quantum dynamics": Jeff Kimble, cavity QED, and the quantum internet

We will examine Jeff Kimble's pioneering contributions to the fields of cavity quantum electrodynamics and quantum networks. A key theme will be the strong coupling between a single atom and a single photon enabled by a high-finesse optical cavity, which allows the atom and the photon "enough time for at least the possibility of leading a life of manifestly quantum dynamics" [1] despite the decoherence inherent in the surrounding environment. Reflecting on some of his seminal results, we will see how this work laid the foundation for a broad range of current experiments in quantum optics and quantum information science.

[1] H. J. Kimble, "New Light on the Nature of Darkness," Engineering & Science 56, 14 (1993)