QuIC-TAQS: Deterministically Placed Nuclear Spin Quantum Memories for Entanglement Distribution

用量子态连接通信网络的节点将从根本上改变我们通信、处理信息和感知周围世界的方式。不幸的是，由于缺乏能够传输、存储和操纵微妙量子态的量子互连，实现远距离的这种连接一直受到阻碍。该项目旨在展示一种具有精确放置的量子存储器的量子中继器，以实现大规模量子网络。PI将使用超纯半导体材料结合新的原子尺度制造技术来实现这一点，该技术能够制造出具有原子精度的量子设备。这些设备将被集成到光子平台和协议中，以供其使用，并将开发系统级集成。通过这些技术合成的量子比特的规律性和质量将使大规模量子互连成为可能。PIS还将开发新的多学科本科课程，以培训量子信息科学方面的学生，并从代表性不足的群体中招募学生加入该计划和研究。确保在第一年的学习中引入量子概念，再加上动手的本科生研究，将有助于培训未来量子信息科学的劳动力。这项研究旨在展示一种利用同位素提纯的碳化硅中六方硅位(V1中心)的硅单空位的量子中继器。这项研究的目标包括：(1)在外延生长的超低缺陷、同位素纯净的28Si12C中创建确定性放置的V1中心；(2)利用扫描隧道显微镜的原子精密制造技术，创建附近确定性放置的29Si或13C核同位素作为量子存储器；(3)利用核自旋的精确放置来实现优越的量子存储器和用于往返于存储器和远距离节点的量子信息传输控制方案；(4)将光学可寻址缺陷和量子存储器集成到纳米热子结构中，提供纳米热子界面对可扩展量子网络中的集成；以及(5)为量子互联网中演示的中继器开发和实施优化的路由、纠缠和测量协议，结合实际的设备性能，如门错误、信道损耗和存储器寿命。该项目的结果将使制造量子中继器的时间尺度与当前方法所需的一年相比达到天数。此外，这种方法的效用不仅限于开发量子中继器，还可以实现基于缺陷的卓越量子处理器、量子子系统和量子传感器。该奖项反映了NSF的法定使命，并通过使用基金会的智力优势和更广泛的影响审查标准进行评估，被认为值得支持。

Connecting nodes of a communication network with quantum states would fundamentally change the way we communicate, process information, and sense the world around us. Unfortunately, realizing such connections over long distances has been hampered by the lack of quantum interconnects that can transfer, store, and manipulate delicate quantum states. This project aims to demonstrate a quantum repeater with precisely placed quantum memory to enable large-scale quantum networks. The PIs will accomplish this using ultra-pure semiconductor materials coupled with novel atomic-scale fabrication techniques capable of creating quantum devices with atomic precision. The devices will be integrated into photonic platforms and protocols for their use and system-level integration will be developed. The regularity and quality of the qubits synthesized through these techniques will enable large-scale quantum interconnects. The PIs will also develop new multi-disciplinary undergraduate curricula to train students in quantum information science and recruit students from underrepresented groups into the program and research. Ensuring quantum concepts are introduced during the first year of study coupled with hands-on undergraduate research will help train the future workforce in quantum information sciences. This research aims to demonstrate a quantum repeater using the silicon monovacancy at a hexagonal Si site (the V1 center) in isotopically purified SiC. The goals of this research include: (1) create deterministically-placed V1 centers in ultra-low defect, isotopically-pure 28Si12C grown epitaxially; (2) create nearby deterministically-placed 29Si or 13C nuclear isotopes as quantum memories using atomically precise fabrication techniques using a scanning tunneling microscope; (3) exploit the precise placement of the nuclear spin to enable superior quantum memories and control schemes for transferring quantum information to and from the memory and distant nodes; (4) integrate the optically-addressable defects and quantum memories into nanophotonic structures, providing a nanophotonic interface and aiding integration in scalable quantum networks; and (5) develop and implement optimized routing, entanglement, and measurement protocols for the demonstrated repeater in a quantum internet, incorporating realistic device performance such as gate errors, channel loss, and memory lifetimes. The results of this project will enable the fabrication of quantum repeaters on the timescale of days compared to the year that current approaches require. Additionally, the utility of this approach is not limited to developing quantum repeaters, and could enable superior defect-based quantum processors, quantum sub-systems, and quantum sensors.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.