Using quantum memory techniques for optical detection of ultrasound

Abstract

Quantum memories are inherently highly efficient and display low noise, making them particularly suitable for the optical detection of ultrasound. Here, we use an atomic-frequency-comb based quantum memory to demonstrate sensitive ultrasound detection, realising a 49 dB discrimination between the sidebands and the carrier. The method remains valid in the case of optically thin samples and thus represents a significant improvement over other ultrasound detection methods based on rare-earth-ion-doped crystals. Furthermore, we show that this non-destructive non-contact approach is also compatible with highly scattering samples and suggest its particular suitability for the real-time imaging of biological tissues.