On-chip coherent microwave-to-optical transduction mediated by ytterbium in YVO$_4$

TL;DR

This paper demonstrates an on-chip microwave-to-optical transducer using ytterbium ions in YVO4, advancing quantum network interfaces by integrating rare-earth ions with nanophotonics for low-noise quantum information transfer.

Contribution

It introduces a novel on-chip transducer employing $^{171} ext{Yb}^{3+}$ ions in YVO4, achieving miniaturization and zero-magnetic-field operation for improved quantum interfacing.

Findings

Successful proof-of-concept demonstration of microwave-to-optical transduction.

Material and device design advances for low-noise quantum interfaces.

Potential for integration with high-Q resonators to enhance efficiency.

Abstract

Optical networks that distribute entanglement among quantum technologies will form a powerful backbone for quantum science but are yet to interface with leading quantum hardware such as superconducting qubits. Consequently, these systems remain isolated because microwave links at room temperature are noisy and lossy. Building connectivity requires interfaces that map quantum information between microwave and optical fields. While preliminary microwave-to-optical (M2O) transducers have been realized, developing efficient, low-noise devices that match superconducting qubit frequencies (gigahertz) and bandwidths (10 kHz - 1 MHz) remains a challenge. Here we demonstrate a proof-of-concept on-chip M2O transducer using $^{171}\mathrm{Yb}^{3+}$-ions in yttrium orthovanadate (YVO) coupled to a nanophotonic waveguide and a microwave transmission line. The device's miniaturization, material, and zero-magnetic-field operation are important advances for rare-earth ion magneto-optical devices. Further integration with high quality factor microwave and optical resonators will enable efficient transduction and create opportunities toward multi-platform quantum networks.