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

Physical Review Letters

Long-lived and Efficient Optomechanical Memory for Light

M. Kristensen, Nenad Kralj, Eric Langman, Albert Schließer

Published Mar 5, 2024• 30 citations
Publisher

Abstract

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.

DOI
10.1103/physrevlett.132.100802

Related papers

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.

arXiv:2308.05206•Aug 9, 2023•0 citations

Storage and Retrieval of Light Using an Ultra-Coherent Membrane Resonator

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

Soft-clamped and dissipation-diluted membrane resonators are promising quantum memory candidates, thanks to their long coherence time. In a pulsed cavity optomechanics experiment, we study storage and retrieval of optical information from such a resonator.

Quantum 2.0 Conference and Exhibition•Jan 1, 2023•0 citations

All-Optically Controlled Quantum Memory for Light with a Cavity-Optomechanical System

Jinjin Li, Wen Bin, Ka‐Di Zhu

Optomechanics may be viewed as a light-mechanics interface to realize hybrid structures for (classical or quantum) information processing, switching or storage. Using the two-laser technique, in this paper, we theoretically devise a protocol for quantum light memory via a cavity optomechanical system composed of a Fabry–Perot cavity and a mechanical resonator. Due to the long-lived mechanical resonator, this quantum memory for light based on optomechanically induced transparency (OMIT) can serve as a long-term memory that can store the full quantum light contained in an optical pulse. It is shown that, with the tunable pump laser, the quantum signal light can be reaccelerated and converted back on demand. Our presented work could open the door to all-optical routers for light memory devices and have a guide to actual experiments.

Entropy•Jan 24, 2013•6 citations

Telecom-Integrated Photonic Memory Operating Near the Mechanical Ground State

Jindao Tang, Bo Jing, Liping Zeng +11 more

Scalable quantum networks require quantum memories that are chip-integrated, telecom-band compatible, and capable of flexible retrieval. Nanofabricated mechanical resonators meet these criteria. They offer independent tunability of optical and mechanical modes, long-lived phonon states, and design flexibility beyond atomic systems, making them strong candidates for practical integrated quantum memory. Here, we demonstrate an on-chip, absorptive optomechanical memory for telecom-band photons, based on optomechanically induced transparency (OMIT) and operating near the mechanical ground state. The device stores telecom-band photons, demonstrating compatibility with external photon sources at the few-photon level, while enabling on-demand retrieval. By placing the device in a dilution refrigerator at 20 mK and tailoring the control field to suppress optical heating, we achieve a remarkably low phonon occupancy of just 0.32 during the storage process. Our results lay the groundwork for scalable, phonon-based quantum memory devices and open new avenues for integrating mechanical systems into practical quantum network architectures.

quant-pharXiv:2609.06399•Laser & Photonics Review•Sep 8, 2026•0 citations

Processing telecom wavelength light with an optically tunable memory

David P. Lake, Matthew Mitchell, Paul E. Barclay

Information storage and processing devices are essential elements of classical and quantum communication and computing technologies. Optical memories based on optomechanically induced transparency allow storage of optical signals in the motion of mechanical resonators. However, their storage time is limited by intrinsic mechanical dissipation, and deterministic in-situ control and manipulation of the stored signals-i.e. processing-has not been demonstrated. Here, we address both of these limitations using reservoir engineering of the environment coupled to the mechanical resonator. We demonstrate that in-situ optomechanical control of the resonator's mechanical properties can extend the optomechanical memory storage time, as well as deterministically shift the phase of a stored pulse by over 2$\pi$, expanding the information processing toolkit provided by cavity optomechanics.

•Dec 12, 2019•3 citations

Slowing and stopping light using an optomechanical crystal array

Darrick E. Chang, Amir H. Safavi‐Naeini, Mohammad Hafezi +1 more

One of the major advances needed to realize all-optical information processing of light is the ability to delay or coherently store and retrieve optical information in a rapidly tunable manner. In the classical domain, this optical buffering is expected to be a key ingredient of managing the flow of information over complex optical networks. Such a system also has profound implications for quantum information processing, serving as a long-term memory that can store the full quantum information contained in an optical pulse. Here, we suggest a novel approach to light storage involving an optical waveguide coupled to an optomechanical crystal array, where light in the waveguide can be dynamically and coherently transferred into long-lived mechanical vibrations of the array. Under realistic conditions, this system is capable of achieving large bandwidths and storage/delay times in a compact, on-chip platform.

arXiv:1006.3829•New Journal of Physics•Feb 1, 2011•286 citations
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 T1\ensuremath≈23  ms{T}_{1}\ensuremath{\approx}23\text{ }\text{ }\mathrm{ms}T1​\ensuremath≈23  ms and a retrieval efficiency \ensuremathη\ensuremath≈40\ensuremath{\eta}\ensuremath{\approx}40%\ensuremathη\ensuremath≈40 for classical coherent pulses. We anticipate the storage of quantum light to be possible at moderate cryogenic conditions (T\ensuremath≈10  KT\ensuremath{\approx}10\text{ }\text{ }\mathrm{K}T\ensuremath≈10  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 T1≈23 msT_1 \approx 23\,\mathrm{ms}T1​≈23ms and a retrieval efficiency η≈40%η\approx 40\%η≈40% for classical coherent pulses. We anticipate storage of quantum light to be possible at moderate cryogenic conditions (T≈10 KT\approx 10\,\mathrm{K}T≈10K). 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.
Optomechanics may be viewed as a light-mechanics interface to realize hybrid structures for (classical or quantum) information processing, switching or storage. Using the two-laser technique, in this paper, we theoretically devise a protocol for quantum light memory via a cavity optomechanical system composed of a Fabry–Perot cavity and a mechanical resonator. Due to the long-lived mechanical resonator, this quantum memory for light based on optomechanically induced transparency (OMIT) can serve as a long-term memory that can store the full quantum light contained in an optical pulse. It is shown that, with the tunable pump laser, the quantum signal light can be reaccelerated and converted back on demand. Our presented work could open the door to all-optical routers for light memory devices and have a guide to actual experiments.
Scalable quantum networks require quantum memories that are chip-integrated, telecom-band compatible, and capable of flexible retrieval. Nanofabricated mechanical resonators meet these criteria. They offer independent tunability of optical and mechanical modes, long-lived phonon states, and design flexibility beyond atomic systems, making them strong candidates for practical integrated quantum memory. Here, we demonstrate an on-chip, absorptive optomechanical memory for telecom-band photons, based on optomechanically induced transparency (OMIT) and operating near the mechanical ground state. The device stores telecom-band photons, demonstrating compatibility with external photon sources at the few-photon level, while enabling on-demand retrieval. By placing the device in a dilution refrigerator at 20 mK and tailoring the control field to suppress optical heating, we achieve a remarkably low phonon occupancy of just 0.32 during the storage process. Our results lay the groundwork for scalable, phonon-based quantum memory devices and open new avenues for integrating mechanical systems into practical quantum network architectures.
Information storage and processing devices are essential elements of classical and quantum communication and computing technologies. Optical memories based on optomechanically induced transparency allow storage of optical signals in the motion of mechanical resonators. However, their storage time is limited by intrinsic mechanical dissipation, and deterministic in-situ control and manipulation of the stored signals-i.e. processing-has not been demonstrated. Here, we address both of these limitations using reservoir engineering of the environment coupled to the mechanical resonator. We demonstrate that in-situ optomechanical control of the resonator's mechanical properties can extend the optomechanical memory storage time, as well as deterministically shift the phase of a stored pulse by over 2π\piπ, expanding the information processing toolkit provided by cavity optomechanics.
One of the major advances needed to realize all-optical information processing of light is the ability to delay or coherently store and retrieve optical information in a rapidly tunable manner. In the classical domain, this optical buffering is expected to be a key ingredient of managing the flow of information over complex optical networks. Such a system also has profound implications for quantum information processing, serving as a long-term memory that can store the full quantum information contained in an optical pulse. Here, we suggest a novel approach to light storage involving an optical waveguide coupled to an optomechanical crystal array, where light in the waveguide can be dynamically and coherently transferred into long-lived mechanical vibrations of the array. Under realistic conditions, this system is capable of achieving large bandwidths and storage/delay times in a compact, on-chip platform.