Quantum memory for images: A quantum hologram

Quantum networks are composed of quantum nodes which coherently interact by way of quantum channels. They offer powerful capabilities for quantum computation, communication, and metrology. A generic requirement for these realizations is the capability to generate and store quantum states among multiple quantum nodes, and to disseminate these resources throughout the network via the quantum channels. In this thesis, I describe a series of experiments whereby single excitations in atomic ensembles are strongly coupled to optical modes and provide efficient means for the coherent control of entangled states between matter and light. By following the seminal proposal by Duan et al., we have generated measurement-induced entanglement of an excitation between two cold atomic ensembles. Using this system, we investigated the relationship for the global bipartite entanglement and local correlations in its subsystems. In addition, we achieved functional quantum nodes for entanglement distribution. Two pairs of remote ensembles at two quantum nodes were prepared into entangled states in a heralded and asynchronous fashion by the conditional controls of the entanglement. The quantum states of the ensembles were then distributed into polarization entangled states of photons. We also prepared an analogous quantum state and transferred the nonlocal coherence between two pairs of heralded entangled atomic ensembles, providing a step towards entanglement connection. Beyond such probabilistic approaches, we demonstrated an experiment where entanglement between two quantum memories is created by the reversible and deterministic mapping of an entangled state of light via dynamic electromagnetically induced transparency. This experiment opens novel prospects of integrating hybrid quantum systems by way of reversible quantum interfaces between light and matter. Then, we extended our work to multipartite quantum systems. We theoretically investigated the characterization of multipartite mode-entangled states by way of quantum uncertainty relations, and introduced theoretical tools to verify the entanglement orders in multipartite systems. In particular, we achieved entanglement for one delocalized photon among multiple optical modes (N > 2). Finally, we have achieved measurement-induced entanglement of spin waves among four quantum memories. The individual atomic components for the entangled W state of the four ensembles were then coherently converted into four propagating entangled beams of light via superradiant emissions. We observed the statistical and dynamic transitions for the multipartite entangled spin waves. Experiments described in this thesis thereby represent significant advances of experimental and theoretical capabilities to generate, store, transfer, and characterize entanglement of matter and light over quantum networks.

A spatially multimode scheme of the quantum memory for light is presented that can be considered to be a thin hologram, whose long-lived spin subsystem of a multiatomic ensemble stores image peculiarities, such as the multimode superposition and entangled quantum states, which is unattainable for ordinary holography. In the recording process, the measurement of polarization parameters of the transmitted light wave and the feedback are used for the action on an ensemble of fixed atoms (obtained, for example, by means of the laser cooling). The information capacity of a quantum hologram with a feedback will considerably exceed that of a spatially singlemode quantum memory.

Quantum memory is one of key ingredients consisting of quantum networks, therefore storing light at single photon level is an important step for realizing quantum networks. A photon, encoded in a high-dimensional state, can significantly increase the information capacity that a photon can carry. Furthermore, quantum memories with the ability to store multiple optical modes offer advantages in speed and robustness over single mode memories in quantum communication and computation. So far, there is no any report about the storage and retrieval of multiple mode images at single photon level. Here, we give a first experimental demonstration to our best knowledge, that two spatial probe fields at single photon level, each imprinted a real image, can be stored and retrieved with a considerable visibility and similarity through electromagnetically induced transparency in cold atomic ensemble. The accomplishment of multiple modes quantum image memory would move closer towards high dimensional quantum networks.

The Quantum Internet (QI) is a hypothetical global network infrastructure that exploits quantum mechanics principles to distribute qubits worldwide. The QI will enable breakthrough applications like unconditional security, distributed quantum computing, and quantum metrology. Nonetheless, the QI is currently a research-stage technology with daunting challenges until fully-functional quantum networks (QNs) can be realized. QNs are not standalone but require classical networks to assist the qubits exchange between remote places through quantum teleportation. On the other hand, QNs control and management planes will remain classical due to quantum networking technology manufacturing complexity and cost. This article addresses integrating QNs with Sixth Generation and Beyond (6GB) mobile networks. Sixth Generation and Beyond (6GB) are the foreseen next generations of wireless networks, offering extensive ubiquity and improved ultra-reliable low-latency support over larger distances than their predecessors. Therefore, it is the best-suited candidate to enable potential mobile and non-terrestrial quantum applications. Unlike existing literature highlighting quantum technology’s potential benefits to mobile networks, this work presents a fresh vision in which 6GB enhances the QI and even contributes to accelerating its development. To that end, we identify target QNs scenarios enabled, facilitated, or benefited by 6GB. We propose a Software-Defined programmable 6GB-integrated QN architecture with slicing support and the associated procedure to create virtual QNs or slices. Last, we present a proof-of-principle showing that QNs can impose deterministic low-latency requirements out of 5G reach.

Quantum networks based on solid-state spin defects present a transformative approach to secure communication and distributed quantum computing, utilizing quantum entanglement and coherent spin–photon interfaces. Silicon carbide (SiC) stands out as a compelling material platform due to its unique combination of a wide bandgap, high optical nonlinearity, CMOS-compatible fabrication, and controllable spin-active defects. These intrinsic properties facilitate efficient photon emission, robust spin coherence at both room and cryogenic temperatures, and integration with photonic nanostructures. Recent advancements in defect engineering and micro-nanophotonics have unlocked the potential of SiC quantum nodes, which feature electron-nuclear spin systems for high-fidelity quantum operations and long-lived quantum memories. Key steps such as single-shot readout and spin-photon entanglement have been successfully demonstrated, bringing SiC closer to a real quantum network platform. This review offers a comprehensive overview of the advancements in SiC-based quantum networks, encompassing key aspects such as defect fabrication methodologies, optimization of spin-photon interfaces, and strategies for photonic integration. Additionally, it examines the existing challenges and outlines promising future directions in this rapidly evolving field.

With their ability to process and transfer quantum information, large-scale entanglement-based quantum networks could be at the heart of a new age of quantum information, enabling fundamentally new applications such as distributed quantum computation, quantum communication, and quantum enhanced sensing. Due to their long spin coherence, controllable local qubit registers and optically active spins, color centers in diamond are prime candidates for nodes of such a network, and have enabled some of the most advanced quantum network demonstrations to date. These demonstrations include the distribution of a 3-node GHZ state across a quantum network, entanglement swapping, entanglement distillation, and memory-enhanced quantum communication. To move beyond current proof-of-principle networks, a further increase of entanglement generation rates is crucial. This thesis presents theoretical and experimental work on enhancing the spin-photon interface of color centers in diamond to achieve this goal, making use of the Purcell effect. The discussed work follows two main directions: embedding of color centers in open, tuneable Fabry-Perot micro-cavities, and in all-diamond photonic crystal cavities. First, we describe theoretical and experimental progress towards cavity-enhanced quantum networks based on nitrogen-vacancy (NV) centers in diamond. Due to their first order sensitivity to electric fields, we choose to embed NV centers in microns-thin diamond membranes that can be integrated into open fiber-based micro-cavities. We develop analytical methods to optimize the design of such open cavity systems for maximum Purcell enhancement of embedded color centers. We demonstrate a method to fabricate optically coherent NV centers in microns-thin diamond membranes, and use such structures to demonstrate the resonant excitation and detection of coherent, Purcell enhanced NV emission. A theoretical model in excellent agreement with our results suggests our system can improve entanglement rates between distant NV centers by two orders of magnitude with near-term improvements to the setup. Second, we describe progress towards an efficient spin-photon interface of group-IV color centers in diamond by coupling them to photonic nanostructures, allowing for large-scale integration. Due to their first-order insensitivity to electric fields, group-IV color centers can be brought in close proximity to surfaces (~ 100 nm), allowing for sub-wavelength mode volumes and thus very high Purcell factors. We numerically optimize photonic crystal cavity designs to maximize the Purcell enhancement of embedded emitters, test the robustness of our designs to real-world fabrication imperfections, and devise a method to efficiently interface nanophotonic structures. We then proceed to fabricate all-diamond photonic crystal cavities, making use of a dry etching technique that is selective to different crystallographic directions, and characterize the resulting optical quality factors. Finally, we marry the developed fabrication methods to fabricate microns-sized diamond platelets that can be transferred from a holding frame in a controlled fashion. This capability could be crucial for the realization of hybrid photonic circuits that we expect to be at the heart of future large-scale quantum networks.

Charged quantum dots containing an electron or hole spin are bright solid-state qubits suitable for quantum networks and distributed quantum computing. Incorporating such quantum dot spin into a photonic crystal cavity creates a strong spin-photon interface in which the spin can control a photon by modulating the cavity reflection coefficient. However, previous demonstrations of such spin-photon interfaces have relied on quantum dots that are charged randomly by nearby impurities, leading to instability in the charge state, which causes poor contrast in the cavity reflectivity. Here we demonstrate a strong spin-photon interface using a quantum dot that is charged deterministically with a diode structure. By incorporating this actively charged quantum dot in a photonic crystal cavity, we achieve strong coupling between the cavity mode and the negatively charged state of the dot. Furthermore, by initializing the spin through optical pumping, we show strong spin-dependent modulation of the cavity reflectivity, corresponding to a cooperativity of 12. This spin-dependent reflectivity is important for mediating entanglement between spins using photons, as well as generating strong photon-photon interactions for applications in quantum networking and distributed quantum computing.

This paper designs quantum testing circuit to detect intermediate malicious node and achieve message integrity in the distributed quantum computing. The proposed mechanism has several improvements shown as follows. The random key generation between Alice and Bob such that an attack cannot break this deriving process. Local unitary operations and quantum teleportation in the entangled particles can be used to transfer quantum information in a secure way. For intermediate node has no capability to differentiate which qubit is quantum superposition state or quantum entangled state. In regard to node detection, the receiver has the capability to judge whether intermediate node is honest or not by using quantum testing circuit. Based on this physical property, quantum circuit could be detect malicious node and achieve message integrity. The proposed circuit is scalable.

Quantum networks consisting of quantum memories and photonic interconnects\ncan be used for entanglement distribution (L.-M.Duan and H. J. Kimble, PRL 90,\n253601 (2003), H. J. Kimble, Nat. 453, 1023 EP (2008)), quantum teleportation\n(S.Pirandola et.al, Nat. Photon. 9, 641 (2015)), and distributed quantum\ncomputing (T.Spiller, et.al., New J. Phys. 8, 30 (2006). Remotely connected\ntwo-node networks have been demonstrated using memories of the same type:\ntrapped ion systems (D.Hucul, et.al, Nat. Phys. 11, 37 (2014)), quantum dots\n(W. B. Gao et. al, Nat. Photon. 9, 363 (2015)), and nitrogen vacancy centers\n(W. B. Gao et. al, Nat. Photon. 9, 363 (2015), B. Hensen, et. al., Nat. 526,\n682 (2015)). Hybrid systems constrained by the need to use photons with the\nnative emission wavelength of the memory, have been demonstrated between a\ntrapped ion and quantum dot (H.Meyer et.al PRL 114, 123001 (2015)) and between\na single neutral atom and a Bose-Einstein Condensate (M.Lettner et. al, PRL\n106, 210503 (2011)). Most quantum systems operate at disparate and incompatible\nwavelengths to each other so such two-node systems have never been\ndemonstrated. Here, we use a trapped 138Ba$^{+}$ ion and a periodically poled\nlithium niobate (PPLN) waveguide, with a fiber coupled output, to demonstrate\n19% end-to-end efficient quantum frequency conversion (QFC) of single photons\nfrom 493 nm to 780 nm. At the optimal signal-to-noise operational parameter, we\nuse fluorescence of the ion to produce light resonant with the $^{87}$Rb $D_2$\ntransition. To demonstrate the quantum nature of both the unconverted 493 nm\nphotons and the converted photons near 780 nm, we observe strong quantum\nstatics in their respective second order intensity correlations. This work\nextends the range of intra-lab networking between ions and networking and\ncommunication between disparate quantum memories. A\n

Purpose of the study: systematization and critical analysis of existing approaches to error suppression in quantum repeaters, as well as to assess their advantages and limitations for the implementation of scalable quantum networks and the quantum internet. Methods of research: the paper provides a detailed analysis of modern literature, including a comparison of various quantum repeater schemes, as well as an assessment of resource costs and performance. Result(s): quantum repeaters can be divided into three generations, each of which demonstrates optimal efficiency under certain conditions. The first generation, implementing probabilistic error suppression by generating heralded entanglement and two-way entanglement distillation, is easy to implement and provides the basic functionality of a quantum network, but requires significant time due to the need to exchange classical signals and long-term storage of quantum states. The second generation combines probabilistic entanglement generation with deterministic operation error suppression using quantum error correction, which reduces the requirements for long-term quantum memory, although the exchange of classical signals between neighboring nodes remains mandatory. The third generation relies entirely on deterministic error suppression using one-way classical communication, which allows for a significant reduction in time delays and high entanglement generation rates, despite the need for a denser arrangement of repeaters and high-quality local gates. In addition, the review covers new areas such as memoryless repeaters and all-photonic repeaters. The conducted comparative analysis of resource costs demonstrates that optimization of repeater operating parameters is a key factor for the implementation of scalable quantum networks, which is of direct importance for quantum key distribution, quantum metrology, and distributed quantum computing. Scientific novelty: the scientific novelty lies in the integration of disparate approaches to the implementation of quantum repeaters into a single holistic representation, which allows for an objective assessment of their efficiency by key parameters. The review highlights the potential for new classes of repeaters, such as memoryless repeaters and all-photonic circuits, to become important elements in the development of a quantum internet.

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.

A novel quantum memory scheme is proposed for quantum data buses in scalable quantum computers by using adjustable interaction. Our investigation focuses on a hybrid quantum system including coupled flux qubits and a nitrogen–vacancy center ensemble. In our scheme, the transmission and storage (retrieval) of quantum state are performed in two separated steps, which can be controlled by adjusting the coupling strength between the computing unit and the quantum memory. The scheme can be used not only to reduce the time of quantum state transmission, but also to increase the robustness of the system with respect to detuning caused by magnetic noises. In comparison with the previous memory scheme, about 80% of the transmission time is saved. Moreover, it is exemplified that in our scheme the fidelity could achieve 0.99 even when there exists detuning, while the one in the previous scheme is 0.75.

The exploration of distributed quantum computing (DQC) represents a significant frontier in quantum information science, aiming to harness the unique properties of quantum mechanics to solve complex computational problems effectively. This paper discusses the diverse architectures and models that facilitate the distribution of quantum computing tasks across multiple quantum nodes, thereby addressing the limitations inherent in single quantum devices. DQC systems exploit the principles of superposition and entanglement to enhance computational capabilities beyond what classical computing systems can achieve. We examine various DQC architectures, including both quantum-classical hybrid systems and fully quantum distributed systems, highlighting their respective benefits and challenges. Key issues such as coherence, communication overhead, and error correction are discussed in detail, and we analyze specific use cases where DQC demonstrates superior performance relative to classical computing approaches, including optimization problems in logistics and finance, as well as quantum simulations for material science. Furthermore, we identify future research directions aimed at overcoming existing barriers to the practical implementation of DQC systems. By assessing the current landscape and future possibilities of DQC, this paper underscores the transformative potential of distributed quantum computing in various fields, paving the way for realizing more complex quantum algorithms and applications.

Quantum memories for light are essential building blocks for quantum repeaters and quantum networks. Integrated operations of quantum memories could enable scalable application with low-power consumption. However, the photonic quantum storage lifetime in integrated devices has so far been limited to tens of microseconds, falling short of the requirements for practical applications. Here, we demonstrate quantum storage of photonic qubits for 1.021 milliseconds based on a laser-written optical waveguide fabricated in a 151Eu3+:Y2SiO5 crystal. Spin dephasing of 151Eu3+ is mitigated through dynamical decoupling applied via on-chip electric waveguides, and we obtain a storage efficiency of 12.0±0.5% at 1.021 milliseconds, which is a demonstration of integrated quantum memories that outperforms the efficiency of a simple fiber delay line. Such long-lived waveguide-based quantum memory could support applications in quantum repeaters, and further combination with critical magnetic fields could enable potential application as transportable quantum memories.

High-efficiency microwave-to-optical quantum transduction is crucial for quantum networks and distributed quantum computing. Cavity-based electro-optic transducers have been widely explored due to their cavity-enhanced conversion efficiency, albeit at the compromise of limited transduction bandwidth and strict frequency alignment requirements between microwave and optical modes. A recent advancement in meter-long superconducting electro-optic modulators (SEOM) has demonstrated conversion efficiency approaching that of the cavity-based transducers on a traveling-wave structure while maintaining a broad bandwidth of tens of gigahertz. This paper provides a further theoretical investigation into the dynamics of the microwave-to-optical conversion process in a traveling-wave geometry. Based on this analysis, we propose a traveling-wave electro-optic transducer design featuring near-unity conversion efficiency and tunable conversion frequency.