Low Temperature Probe Station System for Quantum Interconnects
Abstract
A classical network is composed of multiple types of network nodes that must work together to generate and route data. Some nodes are servers, which generate information and distribute it to client nodes. In between the servers and clients we require a routing infrastructure that efficiently stores and relays information. Quantum networks require a similar architecture to achieve optimal functionality, particularly for complex interactive protocols that involve multiple parties located at different spatial locations. But such nodes must operate at a completely different regime that preserves the delicate quantum information being transmitted between parties. As part of an ongoing AFOSR MURI program, the PI is currently developing highly efficient quantum optical routers for quantum networks based on rare-earth ions in lithium niobate. These optical quantum memories can store photons coherently, alleviating the need for optical to electrical conversion while preserving the delicate entanglement with trapped ions. By incorporating these memories into lithium niobate integrated photonic structures, he is developing reconfigurable quantum routers that can operate on gigahertz timescale. The devices could ultimately store photons, then quickly reconfigure to send them to a desired receiver based on additional classical header information, the key functionality required for quantum routing infrastructure. The rare-earth ion species the PI has been working with is Tm. But this is only one of the many rare-earths that can be doped in lithium niobate. Examples of other rare-earth ions include erbium, praseodymium, ytterbium, and europium. These are only a few of the broad range of rare-earth ions that can be doped into lithium niobate. Surprisingly, little is known about these other species and they have not been extensively studied in this host. By expanding the choices of rare-earth dopants in this material, we could increase the wavelength range of optical memories to span the visible, infrared, and telecommunication wavelengths. This capability would allow us to build optical quantum memories at almost any desired wavelength. But to achieve this revolutionary capability, we first need a measurement system that can quickly probe and study a variety of rare-earth materials. Such a system is challenging to build because it would require the ability to operate over the entire visible and infrared wavelength range in order to be able to address all of the rare-earth ion species. In this DURIP we propose to develop a measurement system for discovery and development of new species of rare-earth optical quantum memories in lithium niobate capable of accessing a broad range of wavelengths. The system will be composed of a low-temperature cryostation, excitation source, and detector array. The cryostation will contain a fiber probe station that will enable us to couple light in and out of devices with high efficiency. In order to excite the system, we will use an excitation source composed of an OPO, which can deliver light over the entire visible wavelength range and a large part of the infrared spectrum. Finally, signals will be detected by a detector array composed of six detectors, each engineered to hit a specific wavelength range. This combination of equipment will form a unique material discovery system that, to our knowledge, does not exist anywhere else in the world.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Feb 29, 2024
- Source ID
- FA95502310187
Entities
People
- Edo Waks
Organizations
- Air Force Office of Scientific Research
- United States Air Force
- University of Maryland