Combined quantum transducer and memory on a hybrid solid-state platform

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Quantum bits (Qubits) based on superconducting microwave circuit have emerged as the leading platform for quantum processors. However, they lack key properties that are essential for future advanced applications of quantum computers. For example, their relatively short coherence time prevents long time storage of the qubits and their operation in the microwave regime makes it impossible to transmit their qubits over any distance outside their 10 mK cryogenic environment. A natural approach is to implement a hybrid platform on which the superconducting qubits are complemented by another platform, which does allow long term storage of microwave qubits and the conversion/transduction into optical wavelength qubits. We propose a rare-earth-ion doped solid-state platform to simultaneously enable both features. More precisely, ytterbium-doped yttrium-orthosilicate (Yb:YSO) has unique features, which guarantee long coherence times for storage and spin-transitions at frequencies compatible with microwave qubits for transduction. Crucially, these properties exist under conditions, such as zero magnetic field, compatible with the superconducting qubits. Our project aims to develop and mature this hybridized platform of superconducting qubits and the novel Yb based solid-state material. The project will demonstrate quantum memory for both optical and microwave photons in an Yb:YSO crystal and explore the requirements for quantum wavelength transduction along with proof-of-principle experiments. A further goal is to integrate our platform with quantum light sources based on quantum-dot emitters with wavelength matching the Yb optical transition. These steps would lead to a fully integrated photonics device for interfacing quantum computers over a future quantum Internet, and, thus, present a market opportunity with end-users in the quantum computing industry as well as future quantum network operators. We address the challenges of developing quantum devices and applications that use multiple qubits and entanglement to realize interconversion of information, enhancement of quantum processing capabilities and quantum communication for physics-based information security.