Quantum information transfer using photons

TL;DR

This paper reviews the theoretical and experimental progress in using photons for quantum information transfer, highlighting recent advancements in light-matter interfaces and prospects for future hybrid quantum systems.

Contribution

It provides a comprehensive overview of the theoretical framework, current experimental achievements, and future prospects for photonic quantum information transfer.

Findings

Recent demonstrations of light-matter interfaces that preserve quantum information

Advances in experimental techniques for quantum communication channels

Discussion of hybrid systems in development for quantum networks

Abstract

Optical communication channels have redefined the purview and applications of classical computing; similarly, photonic transfer of quantum information promises to open new horizons for quantum computing. The implementation of light-matter interfaces that preserve quantum information is technologically challenging, but key building blocks for such devices have recently been demonstrated in several research groups. Here, we outline the theoretical framework for information transfer between nodes of a quantum network, review the current experimental state of the art, and discuss the prospects for hybrid systems currently in development.