A quantum network of single atoms

Quantum networks allowing for the transfer and storage of quantum information will one day enable distributed quantum computing. An elementary version of such a quantum network based on single atoms was recently demonstrated. The atoms are perfectly suited for the storage of quantum states, which can be transferred between remote single-atom network nodes by the coherent exchange of single photons. The efficient interface between single atoms and single photons is based on an optical resonator and allows for the creation of entanglement between two network nodes.