Broadband and long-duration optical memory in 171 Yb 3+ :Y 2 SiO 5
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: Optical quantum memories are essential components for realizing the full potential of quantum networks. Among these, rare-earth-doped crystal memories stand out due to their large multimode storage capabilities. To maximize the multimode capacity in the time domain, it is key to simultaneously achieve large memory bandwidth and long optical storage time. Here, we demonstrate an atomic frequency comb optical memory in 171 Yb 3+ :Y 2 SiO 5 , with a memory bandwidth of 250 MHz and a storage time of up to 125 µ s. The efficiency reaches 20% at short storage times, and 5% at 125 µ s. These results were enabled by an optimized optical pumping scheme, guided by numerical modelling. Our approach is specifically designed for future spin-wave storage experiments, with the theoretical bandwidth limit set at 288 MHz by the hyperfine structure of 171 Yb 3+ :Y 2 SiO 5 . Additionally, we introduce an efficient method for synthesizing the optical pumping waveforms required for generating combs with tens of thousands of teeth, as well as a simple yet frequency-agile laser setup for optical pumping across a 10 GHz bandwidth.
Source: Quantum Science and Technology
Authors: T Sanchez Mejia, L Nicolas, A Gelmini Rodriguez, P Goldner, M Afzelius
Institutions: University of Geneva, Institut de Recherche de Chimie Paris
Language: English
Subfield: Atomic and Molecular Physics, and Optics
Field: Physics and Astronomy
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $3,895
OpenAlex ID: W4415938351