Challenges
Datasets
Workspaces
Papers
Discussions
Leaderboard
Log inSign up
Challenges
Datasets
Workspaces
Papers
Discussions
Leaderboard
Blog
Job Board
Q3AS

© 2026 Aqora Quantum S.A.S.

TermsPrivacyLegal Notice

Optics and Spectroscopy

Investigations of hyperfine and isotope structures in optical spectra of crystals with rare-earth ions

Marina N. Popova

Published Oct 1, 2015• 8 citations
Publisher

Abstract

This is a review of works on hyperfine and isotope structures in the spectra of rare-earth ions in crystals that have been performed at the Laboratory of Fourier Spectroscopy of the Institute for Spectroscopy, Russian Academy of Sciences. The applicability of these studies to the development of optical quantum memory is discussed.
DOI
10.1134/s0030400x15100239

Related papers

Resolved Hyperfine Structure in the Spectra of Crystals for Optical Quantum Memory

Marina N. Popova

A brief review is given on recent studies of the hyperfine structure and inhomogeneously broadened line profiles in the spectra of rare earth containing crystals considered as promising candidates for optical quantum memory.

EPJ Web of Conferences•Jan 1, 2015•0 citations

Spectroscopic study of hyperfine properties in Yb3+171:Y2SiO5

Alexey Tiranov, Antonio Ortu, Sacha Welinski +4 more

Rare-earth ion-doped crystals are promising systems for quantum communication and quantum information processing. In particular, paramagnetic rare-earth centers can be utilized to realize quantum coherent interfaces simultaneously for optical and microwave photons. In this paper, we study hyperfine and magnetic properties of a ${\mathrm{Y}}_{2}{\mathrm{SiO}}_{5}$ crystal doped with $^{171}\mathrm{Yb}^{3+}$ ions. This isotope is particularly interesting since it is the only rare--earth ion having electronic spin $S=\frac{1}{2}$ and nuclear spin $I=\frac{1}{2}$, which results in the simplest possible hyperfine level structure. In this work, we determine the hyperfine tensors for the ground and excited states on the optical $^{2}\mathrm{F}_{7/2}(0)\ensuremath{\longleftrightarrow}^{2}\mathrm{F}_{5/2}(0)$ transition by combining spectral hole burning and optically detected magnetic resonance techniques. The resulting spin Hamiltonians correctly predict the magnetic-field dependence of all observed optical-hyperfine transitions, from zero applied field up to fields where the Zeeman interaction is dominating the hyperfine interaction. Using the optical absorption spectrum, we can also determine the order of the hyperfine levels in both states. These results pave the way for realizing solid-state optical and microwave quantum memories based on a $^{171}\mathrm{Yb}^{3+}:{\mathrm{Y}}_{2}{\mathrm{SiO}}_{5}$ crystal.

arXiv:1712.08616•Physical review. B./Physical review. B•Nov 8, 2018•36 citations

High-resolution nonlinear laser spectroscopy and its applications using rare-earth-doped crystals

Masaharu Mitsunaga, Urs P. Wild, Stefan B. Altner +2 more

Due to their ultralong dephasing times, rare-earth-ion-doped crystals can be a powerful tool for investigating small interactions undergoing in the crystal. Furthermore, narrow spectral holes along with persistent lifetimes make them an ideal candidate of high-density optical data storage. We present some recent topics in this area.

Spectral Hole-Burning and Related Spectroscopies: Science and Applications•Jan 1, 1994•0 citations

Ultranarrow Optical Inhomogeneous Linewidth in a Stoichiometric Rare-Earth Crystal

Rose L. Ahlefeldt, Michael Hush, Matthew J. Sellars

We obtain a low optical inhomogeneous linewidth of 25 MHz in the stoichiometric rare-earth crystal EuCl_{3}·6H_{2}O by isotopically purifying the crystal in ^{35}Cl. With this linewidth, an important limit for stoichiometric rare-earth crystals is surpassed: the hyperfine structure of ^{153}Eu is spectrally resolved, allowing the whole population of ^{153}Eu^{3+} ions to be prepared in the same hyperfine state using hole-burning techniques. This material also has a very high optical density, and can have long coherence times when deuterated. This combination of properties offers new prospects for quantum information applications. We consider two of these: quantum memories and quantum many-body studies. We detail the improvements in the performance of current memory protocols possible in these high optical depth crystals, and describe how certain memory protocols, such as off-resonant Raman memories, can be implemented for the first time in a solid-state system. We explain how the strong excitation-induced interactions observed in this material resemble those seen in Rydberg systems, and describe how these interactions can lead to quantum many-body states that could be observed using standard optical spectroscopy techniques.

arXiv:1601.05013•Physical Review Letters•Dec 15, 2016•63 citations

Introduction to the Spectroscopy of Rare-Earth Doped Crystals for Quantum Communications

Matthew J. Sellars

Quantum memories for light are required elements for long-range quantum communication networks. Rare-earth doped crystals are uniquely suited for this application. This tutorial will review the spectroscopy of these centers relating it to quantum storage protocols

Conference on Lasers and Electro-Optics•Jan 1, 2017•0 citations

Spectroscopy of single rare earth ions (Conference Presentation)

Vahid Sandoghdar

Recently, we showed the first high-resolution spectroscopy and manipulation of single Pr3+ ions in the solid state using rare-earth doped crystals. The special feature of these systems is access to the hyperfine splitting caused by the interaction of the 4f electrons and the nucleus, leading to sets of sublevels with exceptionally long coherence times at cryogenic temperatures, on the order of minutes and hours. This ground state splitting can serve as a lambda level scheme, a key ingredient for many prospective applications in quantum optics, in particular for qubit storage and manipulation. In this presentation, we discuss our latest results and future challenges in reducing spectral diffusion and line broadening down to the expected natural linewidth, prospects for the use of microcavities or plasmonic nano-antennas to enhance the photon yield, and schemes for on-chip integration.

•Apr 28, 2017•0 citations
Rare-earth ion-doped crystals are promising systems for quantum communication and quantum information processing. In particular, paramagnetic rare-earth centers can be utilized to realize quantum coherent interfaces simultaneously for optical and microwave photons. In this paper, we study hyperfine and magnetic properties of a Y2SiO5{\mathrm{Y}}_{2}{\mathrm{SiO}}_{5}Y2​SiO5​ crystal doped with 171Yb3+^{171}\mathrm{Yb}^{3+}171Yb3+ ions. This isotope is particularly interesting since it is the only rare--earth ion having electronic spin S=12S=\frac{1}{2}S=21​ and nuclear spin I=12I=\frac{1}{2}I=21​, which results in the simplest possible hyperfine level structure. In this work, we determine the hyperfine tensors for the ground and excited states on the optical $^{2}\mathrm{F}_{7/2}(0)\ensuremath{\longleftrightarrow}^{2}\mathrm{F}_{5/2}(0)$ transition by combining spectral hole burning and optically detected magnetic resonance techniques. The resulting spin Hamiltonians correctly predict the magnetic-field dependence of all observed optical-hyperfine transitions, from zero applied field up to fields where the Zeeman interaction is dominating the hyperfine interaction. Using the optical absorption spectrum, we can also determine the order of the hyperfine levels in both states. These results pave the way for realizing solid-state optical and microwave quantum memories based on a 171Yb3+:Y2SiO5^{171}\mathrm{Yb}^{3+}:{\mathrm{Y}}_{2}{\mathrm{SiO}}_{5}171Yb3+:Y2​SiO5​ crystal.
We obtain a low optical inhomogeneous linewidth of 25 MHz in the stoichiometric rare-earth crystal EuCl_{3}·6H_{2}O by isotopically purifying the crystal in ^{35}Cl. With this linewidth, an important limit for stoichiometric rare-earth crystals is surpassed: the hyperfine structure of ^{153}Eu is spectrally resolved, allowing the whole population of ^{153}Eu^{3+} ions to be prepared in the same hyperfine state using hole-burning techniques. This material also has a very high optical density, and can have long coherence times when deuterated. This combination of properties offers new prospects for quantum information applications. We consider two of these: quantum memories and quantum many-body studies. We detail the improvements in the performance of current memory protocols possible in these high optical depth crystals, and describe how certain memory protocols, such as off-resonant Raman memories, can be implemented for the first time in a solid-state system. We explain how the strong excitation-induced interactions observed in this material resemble those seen in Rydberg systems, and describe how these interactions can lead to quantum many-body states that could be observed using standard optical spectroscopy techniques.
Recently, we showed the first high-resolution spectroscopy and manipulation of single Pr3+ ions in the solid state using rare-earth doped crystals. The special feature of these systems is access to the hyperfine splitting caused by the interaction of the 4f electrons and the nucleus, leading to sets of sublevels with exceptionally long coherence times at cryogenic temperatures, on the order of minutes and hours. This ground state splitting can serve as a lambda level scheme, a key ingredient for many prospective applications in quantum optics, in particular for qubit storage and manipulation. In this presentation, we discuss our latest results and future challenges in reducing spectral diffusion and line broadening down to the expected natural linewidth, prospects for the use of microcavities or plasmonic nano-antennas to enhance the photon yield, and schemes for on-chip integration.