Quantum states preparation of an atomic ensemble via cavity-assisted homodyne measurement

The quantum spin states of an atomic ensemble are of special interest to both fundamental studies and precision measurement applications. Here, we propose a scheme to prepare collective quantum states of an atomic ensemble placed in an optical cavity via homodyne measurement of a probing light field. The effective interactions of atoms mediated by photons are enhanced by the optical cavity, and the output probe light could also be entangled with the collective spin states. By selectively measuring the quadrature of the output light, we can prepare various quantum states, including superposition states of Dicke states and Dicke squeezed states. It is also demonstrated that the fidelity of the prepared quantum state can be enhanced by repetitive homodyne detection and using longer probe laser pulses. With the experimental parameters, we discuss some imperfections, including background noise, fluctuation of the measurement outcomes, and free-space scattering.We believe that our scheme should be feasible for experimental realization with current technologies, which may be used in the future study of quantum mechanics and quantum metrology.