We demonstrate a memory for light based on optomechanically induced transparency. We achieve a long storage time by leveraging the ultralow dissipation of a soft-clamped mechanical membrane resonator, which oscillates at MHz frequencies. At room temperature, we demonstrate a lifetime ${T}_{1}\ensuremath{\approx}23\text{ }\text{ }\mathrm{ms}$ and a retrieval efficiency $\ensuremath{\eta}\ensuremath{\approx}40%$ for classical coherent pulses. We anticipate the storage of quantum light to be possible at moderate cryogenic conditions ($T\ensuremath{\approx}10\text{ }\text{ }\mathrm{K}$). Such systems could find applications in emerging quantum networks, where they can serve as long-lived optical quantum memories by storing optical information in a phononic mode.We demonstrate a memory for light based on optomechanically induced transparency. We achieve a long storage time by leveraging the ultralow dissipation of a soft-clamped mechanical membrane resonator, which oscillates at MHz frequencies. At room temperature, we demonstrate a lifetime ${T}_{1}\ensuremath{\approx}23\text{ }\text{ }\mathrm{ms}$ and a retrieval efficiency $\ensuremath{\eta}\ensuremath{\approx}40%$ for classical coherent pulses. We anticipate the storage of quantum light to be possible at moderate cryogenic conditions ($T\ensuremath{\approx}10\text{ }\text{ }\mathrm{K}$). Such systems could find applications in emerging quantum networks, where they can serve as long-lived optical quantum memories by storing optical information in a phononic mode.

Physical Review LettersMar 5, 202430 citations

Coherent optical memory with GHz bandwidth

Reim, Nunn, M D Sussman +4 more

Conference on Lasers and Electro-OpticsJan 1, 20100 citations

A Long-lived and Efficient Optomechanical Memory for Light

M. Kristensen, Kralj, Nenad, Eric Langman +1 more

We demonstrate a memory for light based on optomechanically induced transparency. We achieve a long storage time by leveraging the ultra-low dissipation of a soft-clamped mechanical membrane resonator, which oscillates at MHz frequencies. At room temperature, we demonstrate a lifetime $T_1 \approx 23\,\mathrm{ms}$ and a retrieval efficiency $η\approx 40\%$ for classical coherent pulses. We anticipate storage of quantum light to be possible at moderate cryogenic conditions ( $T\approx 10\,\mathrm{K}$ ). Such systems could find applications in emerging quantum networks, where they can serve as long-lived optical quantum memories by storing optical information in a phononic mode.We demonstrate a memory for light based on optomechanically induced transparency. We achieve a long storage time by leveraging the ultra-low dissipation of a soft-clamped mechanical membrane resonator, which oscillates at MHz frequencies. At room temperature, we demonstrate a lifetime $T_1 \approx 23\,\mathrm{ms}$ and a retrieval efficiency $η\approx 40\%$ for classical coherent pulses. We anticipate storage of quantum light to be possible at moderate cryogenic conditions ($T\approx 10\,\mathrm{K}$). Such systems could find applications in emerging quantum networks, where they can serve as long-lived optical quantum memories by storing optical information in a phononic mode.

arXiv:2308.05206Aug 9, 20230 citations

An Experimental, High Density Optical Memory

James Vinton Burt

Jan 1, 19721 citation

Long-lived quantum memories with rare-earth ions doped in crystals

Yu-Yu Sa, Pei-Xi Liu, Zong‐Quan Zhou +1 more

Abstract Quantum memory is a core enabling device for large-scale quantum networks, serving as the fundamental building block for quantum repeaters and transportable quantum memories. Among various physical platforms, rare-earth-ion-doped crystals stand out as one of the most promising solid-state candidates for long-lived photonic quantum memories, owing to their exceptionally long spin coherence time and their compatibility with integration. In this review, we first introduce the physical mechanisms underlying long-lived spin coherence in rare-earth systems, with particular emphasis on the zero-first-order-Zeeman transition and dynamical decoupling techniques. We then review the experimental progress in this field, highlighting three distinct lifetimes—the spin coherence time, the light storage time, and the quantum storage time—and covering experiments that have achieved hour-scale spin coherence, minute- to hour-scale light storage, and minute-scale single-photon-level quantum storage. Finally, we discuss the remaining challenges that hinder the realization of practical long-lived quantum memories, explore potential strategies to overcome these obstacles, and outline the prospects for their future applications in quantum networks.Abstract Quantum memory is a core enabling device for large-scale quantum networks, serving as the fundamental building block for quantum repeaters and transportable quantum memories. Among various physical platforms, rare-earth-ion-doped crystals stand out as one of the most promising solid-state candidates for long-lived photonic quantum memories, owing to their exceptionally long spin coherence time and their compatibility with integration. In this review, we first introduce the physical mechanisms underlying long-lived spin coherence in rare-earth systems, with particular emphasis on the zero-first-order-Zeeman transition and dynamical decoupling techniques. We then review the experimental progress in this field, highlighting three distinct lifetimes—the spin coherence time, the light storage time, and the quantum storage time—and covering experiments that have achieved hour-scale spin coherence, minute- to hour-scale light storage, and minute-scale single-photon-level quantum storage. Finally, we discuss the remaining challenges that hinder the realization of practical long-lived quantum memories, explore potential strategies to overcome these obstacles, and outline the prospects for their future applications in quantum networks.

Quantum FrontiersNov 2, 20260 citations

T_1 \approx 23\,\mathrm{ms}

and a retrieval efficiency

η\approx 40\%

for classical coherent pulses. We anticipate storage of quantum light to be possible at moderate cryogenic conditions (

T\approx 10\,\mathrm{K}

). Such systems could find applications in emerging quantum networks, where they can serve as long-lived optical quantum memories by storing optical information in a phononic mode.