No Arabic abstract
Quantum memory is important to quantum information processing in many ways: a synchronization device to match various processes within a quantum computer, an identity quantum gate that leaves any state unchanged, and a tool to convert heralded photons to photons-on-demand. In addition to quantum computing, quantum memory would be instrumental for the implementation of long-distance quantum communication using quantum repeaters. The importance of this basic quantum gate is exemplified by the multitude of optical quantum memory mechanisms being studied: optical delay lines, cavities, electromagnetically-induced transparency, photon-echo, and off-resonant Faraday interaction. Here we report on the state-of-the-art in the field of optical quantum memory, including criteria for successful quantum memory and current performance levels.
Quantum networks promise to revolutionise computing, simulation, and communication. Light is the ideal information carrier for quantum networks, as its properties are not degraded by noise in ambient conditions, and it can support large bandwidths enabling fast operations and a large information capacity. Quantum memories, devices that store, manipulate, and release on demand quantum light, have been identified as critical components of photonic quantum networks, because they facilitate scalability. However, any noise introduced by the memory can render the device classical by destroying the quantum character of the light. Here we introduce an intrinsically noise-free memory protocol based on two-photon off-resonant cascaded absorption (ORCA). We consequently demonstrate for the first time successful storage of GHz-bandwidth heralded single photons in a warm atomic vapour with no added noise; confirmed by the unaltered photon statistics upon recall. Our ORCA memory platform meets the stringent noise-requirements for quantum memories whilst offering technical simplicity and high-speed operation, and therefore is immediately applicable to low-latency quantum networks.
We examine a quantum memory scheme based on controllable dephasing of atomic coherence of a non-resonant, inhomogeneously broadened Raman transition. We show that it generalizes the physical conditions for time-reversible interaction between light and atomic ensembles from weak to strong fields and from linear to non-linear interactions. We also develop a unified framework for different realizations exploiting either controlled reversible inhomogeneous broadening or atomic frequency combs, and discuss new aspects related to storage and manipulation of quantum states.
We argue that long optical storage times are required to establish entanglement at high rates over large distances using memory-based quantum repeaters. Triggered by this conclusion, we investigate the $^3$H$_6$ $leftrightarrow$ $^3$H$_4$ transition at 795.325 nm of Tm:Y$_3$Ga$_5$O$_{12}$ (Tm:YGG). Most importantly, we show that the optical coherence time can reach 1.1 ms, and, using laser pulses, we demonstrate optical storage based on the atomic frequency comb protocol up to 100 $mu$s as well as a memory decay time T$_M$ of 13.1 $mu$s. Possibilities of how to narrow the gap between the measured value of T$_m$ and its maximum of 275 $mu$s are discussed. In addition, we demonstrate quantum state storage using members of non-classical photon pairs. Our results show the potential of Tm:YGG for creating quantum memories with long optical storage times, and open the path to building extended quantum networks.
Optical quantum memory is an essential element for long distance quantum communication and photonic quantum computation protocols. The practical implementation of such protocols requires an efficient quantum memory with long coherence time. Beating the no-cloning limit, for example, requires efficiencies above 50%. An ideal optical fibre loop has a loss of 50% in 100 $mu$ s, and until now no universal quantum memory has beaten this time-efficiency limit. Here, we report results of a gradient echo memory (GEM) experiment in a cold atomic ensemble with a 1/e coherence time up to 1ms and maximum efficiency up to 87$pm$2% for short storage times. Our experimental data demonstrates greater than 50% efficiency for storage times up to 0.6ms. Quantum storage ability is verified beyond the ideal fibre limit using heterodyne tomography of small coherent states.
In Ref. [Katz et al., arXiv:2007.08770 (2020)], we present a mechanism and optimal procedures for mapping the quantum state of photons onto an optically inaccessible macroscopic state of noble-gas spins, which functions as a quantum memory. Here we introduce and analyze a detailed model of the memory operation. We derive the equations of motion for storage and retrieval of non-classical light and design optimal control strategies. The detailed model accounts for quantum noise and for thermal atomic motion, including the effects of optical mode structure and imperfect anti-relaxation wall coating. We conclude with proposals of practical experimental configurations of the memory, with lifetimes ranging from seconds to hours.