Characterization of Er$^{3+}$:YVO$_{4}$ for microwave to optical transduction

TL;DR

This paper investigates Er$^{3+}$:YVO$_{4}$ as a promising material for microwave to optical quantum transduction, highlighting its optical and spin properties and demonstrating initial classical conversion capabilities.

Contribution

It provides detailed characterization of Er$^{3+}$:YVO$_{4}$'s optical and spin properties and demonstrates initial classical microwave to optical conversion.

Findings

High-resolution optical spectroscopy of Er$^{3+}$:YVO$_{4}$

Narrow ensemble linewidths observed

Initial classical microwave to optical conversion demonstrated

Abstract

Quantum transduction between microwave and optical frequencies is important for connecting superconducting quantum platforms in a quantum network. Ensembles of rare-earth ions are promising candidates to achieve this conversion due to their collective coherent properties at microwave and optical frequencies. Erbium ions are of particular interest because of their telecom wavelength optical transitions that are compatible with fiber communication networks. Here, we report the optical and electron spin properties of erbium doped yttrium orthovanadate (Er$^{3+}$:YVO$_{4}$), including high-resolution optical spectroscopy, electron paramagnetic resonance studies and an initial demonstration of microwave to optical conversion of classical fields. The highly absorptive optical transitions and narrow ensemble linewidths make Er$^{3+}$:YVO$_{4}$ promising for magneto-optic quantum transduction.