Quantum memories (QMems) will be essential components of quantum networks, enabling long-distance distribution of entanglement with quantum repeaters, acting as quantum information buffers, and providing synchronisation and coordination functionality. QMems will need to interface with a diverse set of quantum links, operating at different wavelengths, and will often have to operate in remote and challenging environments. QMems will also need to be able to accept high bandwidth quantum signals for greater compatibility with a large range of single photon and entangled pair sources.
The AL FreSQO project aims to advance the readiness of QMems for deployment by demonstrating cold atom QMems operating in conjunction with free-space quantum optical channels, together with quantum frequency conversion (QFC) from telecoms wavelengths, as well as the development of compatible single photon sources based on hexagonal boron nitride. These physical platforms have the potential to obviate the need for cryogenic systems, making them more suitable for mobile and remote applications, such as on satellites as part of a global space-based quantum entanglement distribution network. The project will implement high bandwidth QMems and QFC, together with optimised free-space optical channel links, and identify suitable solid state quantum emitters for cold atom coupling.
Ultimately, AL FreSQO will advance the practicality of QMems by demonstrating their integration within a quantum link together with QFC, together with quantum signal sources, expanding their compatibility, and greatly improving their performance.
Project Partners:
- University of Strathclyde (Coordinator: Daniel Oi, Aidan Arnold)
- University of Southampton (Patrick Ledingham)
- Humboldt University Berlin (Markus Krutzik, Mustafa Gündoğan)
- University of Padua (Paolo Villoresi, Giuseppe Vallone)
- Sabancı University (Serkan Ateş)
- ThinkQuantum (Luca Calderaro)
