Generation of Multi-atom Entangled States via the Raman Atom-Cavity-Field Interaction

A scheme is presented for preparing multi-atom entangled states based on the Raman atom-cavity-field interaction. After several degenerate Λ-type three-level atoms interact with an appropriately prepared single-mode cavity field through Raman coupling, a two-level atom, resonant with the cavity, is sent through the cavity and a Ramsey zone. The detection of the two-level atom leaves the Λ-type atoms in an entangled state.