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Optical quantum memory

Nature Photonics volume 3, pages 706–714 (2009)Cite this article

Abstract

Quantum memory is essential for the development of many devices in quantum information processing, including a synchronization tool that matches various processes within a quantum computer, an identity quantum gate that leaves any state unchanged, and a mechanism to convert heralded photons to on-demand photons. In addition to quantum computing, quantum memory will be instrumental for implementing long-distance quantum communication using quantum repeaters. The importance of this basic quantum gate is exemplified by the multitude of optical quantum memory mechanisms being studied, such as optical delay lines, cavities and electromagnetically induced transparency, as well as schemes that rely on photon echoes and the off-resonant Faraday interaction. Here, we report on state-of-the-art developments in the field of optical quantum memory, establish criteria for successful quantum memory and detail current performance levels.

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Figure 1: Electromagnetically induced transparency.
Figure 2: Storage of light by electromagnetically induced transparency.
Figure 3: The DLCZ protocol.
Figure 4: CRIB-based quantum memory in solid-state devices that feature optical centres with permanent electric dipole moments.
Figure 5: AFC-based quantum memory.
Figure 6: Quantum memory based on the off-resonant Faraday interaction between light and atoms.

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Acknowledgements

This work was supported by iCORE, QuantumWorks, NSERC, CFI and GDC. A.I.L. is a CIFAR Scholar and B.C.S. is a CIFAR Associate.

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  1. Institute for Quantum Information Science, University of Calgary, Alberta, T2N 1N4, Canada

    Alexander I. Lvovsky, Barry C. Sanders & Wolfgang Tittel

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  1. Alexander I. Lvovsky
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Correspondence to Alexander I. Lvovsky.

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Lvovsky, A., Sanders, B. & Tittel, W. Optical quantum memory. Nature Photon 3, 706–714 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1038/nphoton.2009.231

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