Systems for Development of Hybrid Microwave-Optical Quantum Networks
Abstract
When individual quantum systems are linked to each other in a controllable way, their complexity and computational power increases. If the links are classical in nature, i.e., simply zeros and ones, this increase in power is linear in the number of nodes. Quantum channels, where signals in the quantum superposition of zero and one are transmitted, allow an increase in power that is exponential in the number of nodes. This remarkable scaling in computational power has motivated efforts to create a “quantum internet”. Such connectivity also provides a way to over-come scaling challenges that have limited these system to date. One of the most promising avenues for implementing quantum information processors, and one which is of great interest to the DoD as well as industry, is through the use of cryogenically cooled superconducting circuits operating at microwave frequencies. These circuits are extremely isolated from the outside environment, making linking them very difficult. We are currently developing hybrid microwave-optical devices that use laser light in fiber optic cables to connect distant superconducting quantum circuits. This proposal is for equipment that forms a system that enables creation of the quantum networks, us-ing the devices that we, as well as other groups, are developing. In particular, we are proposing microwave frequency signal generation and processing equipment for precise control of supercon-ducting qubit “routers”, as well as telecom lasers and single-photon counters for generating and detecting the laser light that forms our quantum channels. The proposed equipment will also en-able us to make major progress in developing the infrastructure for more general investigations in quantum devices for sensing, communications, and simulation, as well as the opportunity to train students at the forefront of quantum engineering.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Apr 09, 2018
- Source ID
- FA95501710384
Entities
People
- Amir H. Safavi-Naeini
Organizations
- Air Force Office of Scientific Research
- Stanford University
- United States Air Force