Abstract

Manipulating circular Rydberg atoms one by one in a microwave superconducting cavity is a universal tool to generate entanglement. Two separated atoms have been prepared in an EPR state[1] by using the resonant interaction with a single photon[2]. In the non-resonant regime, we prepare quantum superpositions involving coherent field states with different phases. These superpositions can be considered as small laboratory versions of the famous Schrödinger cat coherently suspended between life and death. The progressive decoherence of these states has been observed, sheding fight on the elusive quantum-classical boundary.

© 1998 IEEE