Quantum

University of Illinois Researchers Store Quantum Information on a Chip for Over a Microsecond

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Briefings

University of Illinois researchers developed an integrated nanophotonic platform using thin-film lithium niobate and erbium atoms to store photons on a chip for over 1 microsecond while preserving quantum information with high fidelity. The device uses a tunable laser to spectrally arrange atoms into a comb-like pattern, enabling temporary photon 'catching' and holding. This represents a significant leap forward for quantum chips, offering potential compatibility with large-scale manufacturing, though practical deployment requires improved photon retrieval efficiency and longer storage times. The research was published in Nano Letters and led by physics professor Elizabeth Goldschmidt and electrical engineering graduate student Priyash Barya.

Key points

• The device uses erbium atoms doped into thin-film lithium niobate to temporarily hold multiple photons for over 1 microsecond while preserving quantum information with high fidelity.
• The research was published in Nano Letters and led by physics professor Elizabeth Goldschmidt and electrical engineering graduate student Priyash Barya.

Context and limitations

The device demonstrated high-fidelity preservation of quantum information with storage times exceeding 1 microsecond and the ability to store multiple photons at once. However, practical use in quantum computers and communication networks requires improved photon retrieval efficiency and longer storage times, which the group plans to address by improving frequency comb design and experimenting with different erbium isotopes.

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