Integrated Quantum Optomechanical Transducers for Networking Microwave Quantum Machines
Abstract
Integrated optomechanical transducers are on the verge of demonstrating entangling operations. We outline a program for advancing transducer technology to surpass this threshold, and further improve the entanglement generation rates to reach the limits required for realistic applications in near-term superconducting quantum computing. Beyond advancing device technology, we also pursue methods and techniques for scalable integration of multiple and multi-mode transducers and associated microwave and optical functions in lab-scales networks of several nodes and using them for demonstrating quantum networking operations. Our team is composed of experts in quantum optomechanics, photonics, and superconducting quantum devices, with an established track-record of research in microwave-optical transduction and quantum microwave communications. In Thrust 1 (Transducer Technologies), we pursue order-of-magnitude increases in rates, as well as approaches to compensate for frequency disorder. Our team will focus on two technologies, Lithium Niobate on Silicon on Insulator (LN-SOI) and SOI-electro-optomechanics (SOI-EOM), which we believe have the highest chance of success. Through a collaborative effort involving all of the teams, we will systematically study and develop approaches to mitigate the adverse effects of optical absorption, essential for increasing rates. We will also design and demonstrate new structures with higher microwave coupling efficiency for improved bandwidth. In preparation for realizing networking and complex protocols, we will develop devices that transduce multiple modes simultaneously and pursue schemes for frequency-agile converters. These will feed into Thrust 2 (Networking Demonstrations), where we will pursue several approaches for generating microwave-optical entanglement. Significant developments on the quantum microwave processing back-end will be needed to realize the more complex schemes. In the latter part of phase 2, our team will demonstrate entanglement and operations between quantum microwave circuits situated inside two separate cryostats. If successful, our program will realize the first distributed quantum networks of microwave quantum machines. In addition, by further improving the efficiency of these integrated transducers, we will create a way to optically access complex quantum states and operations that may only be realized in the microwave domain for the foreseeable future. Such advances will have an impact beyond the networking of microwave quantum machines, and may become enabling technologies for optical quantum computing and sensing.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Jul 27, 2023
- Source ID
- W911NF2310254
Entities
People
- Amir H. Safavi-Naeini
Organizations
- Army Contracting Command
- National Security Agency
- Stanford University