Abstract
Optical networks that distribute entanglement among various quantum systems will form a powerful framework for quantum science but are yet to interface with leading quantum hardware such as superconducting qubits. Consequently, these systems remain isolated because microwave links at room temperature are noisy and lossy. Building long distance connectivity requires interfaces that map quantum information between microwave and optical fields. While preliminary microwave-to-optical transducers have been realized, developing efficient, low-noise devices that match superconducting qubit frequencies (gigahertz) and bandwidths (10 kilohertz – 1 megahertz) remains a challenge. Here we demonstrate a proof-of-concept on-chip transducer using trivalent ytterbium-171 ions in yttrium orthovanadate coupled to a nanophotonic waveguide and a microwave transmission line. The device′s miniaturization, material, and zero-magnetic-field operation are important advances for rare-earth ion magneto-optical devices. Further integration with high quality factor microwave and optical resonators will enable efficient transduction and create opportunities toward multi-platform quantum networks.
Highlights
Optical networks that distribute entanglement among various quantum systems will form a powerful framework for quantum science but are yet to interface with leading quantum hardware such as superconducting qubits
Rare-earth ion (REI) ensembles simultaneously coupled to optical and microwave resonators have been proposed for microwave-to-optical (M2O) transducers[1,2] that could achieve an efficiency and bandwidth to challenge other leading protocols[3,4]
While REIs provide promise for future networks, transducer demonstrations have been limited to macroscopic devices[19,20]
Summary
Optical networks that distribute entanglement among various quantum systems will form a powerful framework for quantum science but are yet to interface with leading quantum hardware such as superconducting qubits. While REIs provide promise for future networks, transducer demonstrations have been limited to macroscopic devices[19,20] These millimeter-scale transducers currently require high optical pump powers that will be challenging to integrate with cryogenic cooling systems and light-sensitive superconducting circuits[19]. To achieve further integration with superconducting qubit platforms, it is highly beneficial to extend REI schemes[1,2] to zero magnetic field operation[21]. Toward this end, trivalent ytterbium-171 (171Yb3+) is appealing because it exhibits the simplest spin-state structure with gigahertz-frequency hyperfine transitions[22,23]. Future devices will harness on-chip cavities to increase the mode coupling to progress toward efficient transduction operating at a quantum level
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