A hybrid quantum photonic interface for $^{171}$Yb solid-state qubits

TL;DR

This paper presents a hybrid quantum photonic platform coupling $^{171}$Yb ions to GaAs photonic crystal cavities, enabling coherent control and significant lifetime reduction, advancing quantum network development.

Contribution

It introduces a scalable hybrid platform for $^{171}$Yb ions coupled to GaAs photonic cavities, demonstrating coherent control and lifetime reduction.

Findings

Detected and controlled single $^{171}$Yb ions optically.

Achieved a 64-fold reduction in ion lifetime.

Showed potential for scalable quantum networks.

Abstract

$^{171}$Yb$^{3+}$ in YVO$_4$ is a promising candidate for building quantum networks with good optical addressability, excellent spin properties and a secondary nuclear-spin quantum register. However, the associated long optical lifetime necessitates coupling to optical resonators for faster emission of single photons and to facilitate control of single $^{171}$Yb ions. Previously, single $^{171}$Yb ions were addressed by coupling them to monolithic photonic crystal cavities fabricated via lengthy focused ion beam milling. Here, we design and fabricate a hybrid platform based on ions coupled to the evanescently decaying field of a GaAs photonic crystal cavity. We experimentally detect and demonstrate coherent optical control of single $^{171}$Yb ions. For the most strongly coupled ions, we find a 64 fold reduction in lifetime. The results show a promising route towards a quantum network with $^{171}$Yb:YVO$_4$ using a highly scalable platform.