Non-destructive photon detection using a single rare earth ion coupled to a photonic cavity

TL;DR

This paper explores a method for non-destructive photon detection using a single rare-earth ion coupled to a photonic cavity, aiming to advance quantum networks and computing.

Contribution

It proposes a feasible approach for non-destructive photon measurement leveraging high-cooperativity coupling with current Nd:YVO$_4$ technology.

Findings

Calculated fidelity depends on ion and cavity parameters

Identified optimal conditions for high-fidelity detection

Suggested experimental implementation with existing tech

Abstract

We study the possibility of using single rare-earth ions coupled to a photonic cavity with high cooperativity for performing non-destructive measurements of photons, which would be useful for global quantum networks and photonic quantum computing. We calculate the achievable fidelity as a function of the parameters of the rare-earth ion and photonic cavity, which include the ion's optical and spin dephasing rates, the cavity linewidth, the single photon coupling to the cavity, and the detection efficiency. We suggest a promising experimental realization using current state of the art technology in Nd:YVO$_4$.