Multiplexed quantum memories increase the entanglement distribution rate in long-distance quantum repeater architectures by harnessing storage in several degrees of freedom. Here, we report on the distribution of light-matter quantum correlations using an array of time-multiplexed solid-state quantum memories. We store telecom-heralded single photons sequentially in up to ten memory cells using the full atomic frequency comb protocol with on-demand read-out in a Pr$^{3+}$:Y$_2$SiO$_5$ crystal. Leveraging both spatial and temporal multiplexing, we demonstrate quantum correlations between the telecom photon and up to 60 spatio-temporal modes of the quantum memory array. We then transmit the heralding telecom photon over 39.1 km of deployed optical fiber in the Metropolitan Area of Barcelona. In a realistic scenario where the generation rate is limited by the two-way communication time, we show that up to 15 % of the $393 \mu s$ round-trip communication time is filled with communication trials, leading to a 60-fold enhancement in the rate of detected telecom photons correlated with the quantum memory array, compared to a single-mode memory. With increased storage times and efficiencies, our multiplexed quantum memory array will constitute the backbone of a long-distance quantum network, establishing remote entanglement at high rates.
Aya Mneimneh, Susana Plascencia, M. Gundín et al.· 0 citations
Long-lived storage of single photons under the form of atomic excitations is at the foundation of long-distance entanglement distribution in quantum networks. To mitigate decoherence effects induced by the environment, rephasing of the hyperfine coherences using microwave pulses have been implemented in a variety of single-emitter and ensemble-based solid-state systems. However, the demonstration of storage of single photons in an absorptive quantum memory including such spin rephasing mechanism remains elusive. In this work, we show non-classical storage of telecom-heralded single photons in a Pr$^{3+}$:Y$_2$SiO$_5$ rare-earth ion doped crystal quantum memory using the atomic frequency comb (AFC) spin-wave protocol combined with a XY4 spin rephasing sequence. Long-lived AFC photon echoes are first observed in the classical regime for storage times of up to approximately 3 ms. We then demonstrate non-classical correlations between heralding photons and stored signal photons generated by a cavity-enhanced parametric photon-pair source for storage times of up to 180 $\mu$s and with measured cross-correlation values as high as 4.6(4). Together with the capacity of Pr$^{3+}$:Y$_2$SiO$_5$ QMs to support highly efficient and multiplexed storage, this result represents a significant step towards scalable long-distance quantum repeater links.
Alberto E. Rodríguez-Moldes, Félicien Appas, Jonathan Hänni et al.· Physical Review Letters· 1 citation
We use cookies to run the site and, with your consent, for analytics and to show ads.
See our Cookie Policy.
