Quantum storage of single photons with unknown arrival time and pulse shapes

We present a scheme for the quantum storage of single photons using electromagnetically induced transparency (EIT) in a low-finesse optical cavity, assisted by state-selected spontaneous atomic emission. Mediated by the dark mode of cavity EIT, the destructive quantum interference between the cavity input–output channel and state-selected atomic spontaneous emission leads to strong absorption of single photons with unknown arrival time and pulse shapes. We discuss the application of this phenomenon to photon counting using stored light. (paper)