Efficient, high-fidelity storage and exchange of quantum information between light and an optical quantum memory is essential for long-distance quantum communication, quantum networking and distributed quantum computing. Stephan Ritter and colleagues show the most fundamental implementation of such a memory, mapping arbitrary polarization states of light into and out of single atoms trapped inside an optical cavity. The high fidelity (93%) and relatively long qubit coherence time of this atomic memory make it a versatile quantum node with excellent prospects for applications in optical quantum gates and quantum repeaters.
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