Light storage in light cages: a scalable platform for multiplexed quantum memories.

Area of Science:

• Quantum Information Science
• Optics and Photonics

Background:

• Quantum memories are crucial for quantum communication and computing.
• Hot atomic vapors offer long photon storage but face limitations with current waveguides.
• Light-guiding structures are needed to improve quantum memory performance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To demonstrate a novel quantum memory using a 3D-nanoprinted hollow-core waveguide (light cage).
• To investigate the integration of multiple quantum memories on a single chip.
• To analyze the performance of these integrated quantum memories.

Main Methods:

• Storage of attenuated coherent light pulses in a cesium (Cs) quantum memory.
• Utilizing a 3D-nanoprinted hollow-core waveguide, termed a light cage (LC).
• Integrating multiple LC memories onto a single chip within a Cs vapor cell.

Main Results:

• Achieved photon storage times of several hundred nanoseconds.
• Demonstrated consistent performance across multiple integrated LC memories.
• Successfully integrated multiple LC memories on a single chip.

Conclusions:

• 3D-nanoprinted light cages offer a versatile platform for integrated quantum memories.
• This work advances spatially multiplexed quantum memories for quantum repeaters and computing.
• The developed technology has potential for unprecedented memory integration levels.