QuIC - TaQS: Interconnects for a Superconducting-Atomic Hybrid Quantum Network

目前设想的“量子互联网”基础设施包括链接的量子设备，如量子计算机，模拟器和传感器，它们可能位于相距甚远的地理位置。在这些设备之间分发量子信息将是利用它们的关键，这些设备具有超过经典信息技术的技术优势，并使广泛的研究人员和商业用户可以访问。该研究计划的目标是开发和演示必要的互连技术，这些技术共同实现了广泛分离的量子计算节点之间的远程链接。具体来说，开发了三种互连：第一，频率转换器，将量子信号从低温操作的固态量子比特转换为可以通过光纤网络发送的光信号。第二，可以扩展光量子信号传输范围的中继器设备。最后，一种用于低温量子位的固态存储器，它将允许在大规模网络中容忍延迟。总之，这些互连技术的实现是在量子设备之间建立长距离连接的关键垫脚石。作为该项目的一部分，PI正在开发关于量子工程和量子网络主题的教育和推广计划，并与行业和国家实验室合作伙伴合作。该研究项目针对三种不同且互补的量子互连方案，这些方案通过理论和实验的联合努力来解决。微波到光的转换对于在非低温温度下长距离传输源自超导量子比特的量子态至关重要。为此，超导量子电路与光机械晶体连接，可以将微波辐射耦合到电信波段的光学。由该转换器系统发射的辐射可以通过量子干涉与Yb原子发射的光子接口。Yb原子阵列是一种很有前途的原子量子信息处理平台，将用于实现量子中继器。第三种互连是超导量子比特和掺杂晶体中的稀土离子自旋之间的互连。这种自旋是在微波域中实现超长相干时间的有前途的资源。由于光转换和量子干涉方案的概率很高，因此需要非常好的量子存储器来容忍网络中的延迟。该奖项反映了NSF的法定使命，并通过使用基金会的知识价值和更广泛的影响审查标准进行评估，被认为值得支持。

A currently envisioned ‘quantum internet’ infrastructure consists of linked quantum devices, such as quantum computers, simulators, and sensors, that may be located in widely separated geographical locations. Distributing quantum information between these devices will be key for utilizing them with a technological advantage over classical information technologies, and making the accessible to a wide range of researchers and commercial users. The goal of this research program is the development and demonstration of essential interconnect technologies that together enable long-range links between widely separated quantum computing nodes. Specifically, three interconnects are developed: First, a frequency converter that converts quantum signals from cryogenically operated solid-state qubits to optical signals that can be sent through fiber networks. Second, a repeater device that can extend the range of optical quantum signals transmitted. And finally, a solid-state memory for cryogenic qubits that will allow tolerating latencies in large-scale networks. Together, the realization of these interconnect technologies are a critical stepping stone for establishing long-distance connections between quantum devices. As part of the project, the PIs are developing educational and outreach programs on the topic of quantum engineering and quantum networking, and are collaborating with industry and national lab partners.The research project targets three distinct and complementary quantum interconnection schemes that are tackled with a joint theoretical and experimental effort. Microwave-to-optical conversion is crucial for transmitting quantum states originating from superconducting qubits over large distances at non-cryogenic temperatures. To that end, superconducting quantum circuits are interfaced with optomechanical crystals that can couple microwave radiation to optical light in the telecom band. The radiation emitted by this converter system can be interfaced with optical photons emitted by Yb atoms through quantum interference. Arrays of Yb atoms are a promising platform for atomic quantum information processing and will be used to realize a quantum repeater. The third interconnect is between superconducting qubits and rare-earth ion spins in doped crystals. Such spins are a promising resource for realizing ultra-long coherence times in the microwave domain. Because optical conversion as well as quantum interference schemes are highly probabilistic, very good quantum memory is required to tolerate the resulting latency in a network.This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.