Using interference for high fidelity quantum state transfer in optomechanics

Area of Science:

• Quantum physics
• Quantum optics
• Cavity optomechanics

Background:

• Quantum state transfer between electromagnetic cavities is crucial for quantum information processing.
• Mechanical resonators offer a potential platform for mediating such transfers.
• Dissipation in mechanical resonators typically limits transfer efficiency.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the use of a mechanical resonator for quantum state transfer between optical and microwave cavities.
• To identify and utilize features of the mechanical resonator that enhance transfer efficiency.
• To develop analytical methods for quantifying transfer fidelity.

Main Methods:

• Theoretical analysis of a mechanical resonator coupled to two electromagnetic cavities.
• Identification of an effective 'mechanically dark' mode.
• Derivation of analytical expressions for quantum state transfer fidelity.

Main Results:

• The system exhibits a mechanically dark mode, which is immune to mechanical dissipation.
• This dark mode enables highly efficient transfer of both intracavity and itinerant quantum states.
• Analytic expressions for fidelity were derived for both Gaussian and non-Gaussian states.

Conclusions:

• The mechanically dark mode provides a robust pathway for efficient quantum state transfer.
• This approach overcomes limitations imposed by mechanical dissipation.
• The findings offer a promising method for quantum information processing applications.