Quantum area gate: Experimental demonstration

Summary form only given. In quantum computing, the precise control of input variables used to initialize computational systems is vital for reliable system performance. A parameter that lends itself naturally to the preparation of coherent atomic dynamics used in computation is optical pulse area, i.e. time-integrated resonant Rabi frequency. It is therefore desirable to identify phenomena and demonstrate devices that provide the functionality that allows the controlled manipulation of this parameter. Here, we report the first observation of a novel phenomenon governing the pulse area transmission through an optical cavity containing atoms exhibiting ultraslow atomic decoherence.