Hybrid Quantum Repeater based on Atomic Quantum Memories and Telecom Wavelength Entangled Photon-Pairs Generated from Semiconductor Nanowires

Summary

Losses in physical channels, such as optical fibres, limit existing quantum communication systems to modest distance ranges. Since amplification of quantum signals is fundamentally not possible,  we look to extend the range and functionality of these quantum channels by adding quantum memory nodes that can daisy-chain multiple lengths of quantum channels through entanglement and thus extend the communication distance — an approach known as ‘quantum repeater’. Quantum repeaters are by necessity hybrid devices, as they connect flying qubits (photons) to small processors for error correction and privacy amplification. In this project we develop a two-node proof-of-principle hybrid quantum repeater system. We generate entangled photon pairs from quantum dots embedded in semiconductor nanowire and store them in atomic quantum memories following a frequency up-conversion. We expect this will enable quantum key distribution over long distances at rates exceeding those possible through a direct link. The photon-pair sources, the frequency converters, as well as the quantum memories will be implemented in compact on-chip platforms. This novel approach combines the advantages available from a deterministic and tunable solid-state source of bright entangled photon pairs with the potential for high-efficiency long-lived quantum memory that is achievable with laser cooled atoms. The ultimate goal is to achieve a working pair of quantum repeater nodes at practically relevant wavelengths that would lead to useful rates for long-distance quantum key distribution.

Figure 1. The two quantum dots (red triangles embedded in semiconductor nanowires) produce pairs of entangled photons. One photon from each pair is stored in an atomic ensemble memory, while the other photon is sent into a coincidence measurement setup, which generates entanglement between the two atomic ensembles.