Solid State Quantum Memories
The coherent mapping of quantum information between light and matter is a crucial requirement in quantum information science. Here, we study the interaction between single photons and cryogenically cooled crystals doped with rare-earth ions.
Rare-earth doped crystals are promising for quantum storage applications because they provide a unique system where a large number of atoms with excellent spin and optical coherence properties are naturally trapped in a solid-state matrix. We are exploring various storage protocols based on the rephasing of optical coherences, in order to store quantum light at the single photon level in long-lived single collective spin excitations. Our current goal is to use these quantum memories in quantum network demonstrations involving light-matter and matter-matter entanglement. We also explore integrated quantum memories using laser written waveguides.
Funding:
- EU Quantum Flagship project Quantum Internet Alliance QIA
- Quantum CAT
- MICIN Plan nacional QRN
- ERC AdG Capable (PI Roberto Osellame)
- Moore Foundation frontier research Grant
Collaborators:
- Dr Roberto Osellame (IFN-CNR)
- Dr Giacomo Corrielli (IFN-CNR)