NIST researchers are developing a quantum information transfer system that combines microwave, mechanical, and optical technologies. The system uses a vibrating mechanical membrane to convert quantum information from microwave signals into light, which can then be transmitted over optical fibers. The current system operates at 4K and has demonstrated bidirectional conversion between microwave and optical signals. However, the researchers need to reduce the system size by 20 times and lower the temperature by an order of magnitude to achieve the desired sensitivity and avoid deleterious effects of the light field on the superconducting circuit. If successful, this technology could enable long-distance quantum communication using superconducting circuits.
Source: https://www.nist.gov/news-events/news/2016/01/quantum-information-transfer-microwaves-motion-light
Keywords: Superconducting, Transduction, Qubits, Microwave, Optics
