Quantum chip holds multiple photons at once, opening path to scalable memory
For highly fragile quantum information systems, the ability to store quantum information is vital—but also challenging. Quantum information is transported in particles of light called photons, which often must be temporarily paused (or "stored") while other, slower quantum operations catch up. This storage must be performed on microchips as small as 1 centimeter (0.4 inches)—a distance covered by…
Researchers at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign have developed a nanophotonic platform that can store multiple photons at once for extended periods, potentially revolutionizing quantum computing and communication. This breakthrough addresses a major hurdle in the field: the need to store fragile quantum information while other quantum operations catch up.
By leveraging spectral hole burning and thin-film lithium niobate, the researchers created an integrated platform that can be manufactured at scale, making it more practical than previous attempts. The new device, which utilizes an atomic frequency comb, successfully stored photons for over a microsecond and retained strong quantum information fidelity.
This achievement opens the door to scalable quantum memory systems, a crucial component for the development of practical quantum technologies.
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