Physics Main Calendar

Abstract: Quantum networks hold promise for secure data transmission and modular quantum computing, and will rely on optical photons as “flying qubits” due to their remarkable coherence at room temperature. However, the fundamental inability to clone quantum states and the inevitable loss of light in optical fibers make it challenging to transmit these photons over long distances without the assistance of quantum repeaters, which serve as interconnects between users. An integral part of these repeaters is the quantum memory, a device able to store and release qubits while preserving their quantum state. To this end, rare-earth ions in solids have been employed for their exceptionally narrow optical transitions and long coherence times. Low-spin hosts doped with rare-earth ions boast excellent coherence times but suffer from a low density of emitters. For this reason, we are motivated to study stoichiometric rare-earth materials. In this talk, I will provide an introduction to the field, covering experimental techniques and figures of merit, followed by a detailed discussion of our realized and proposed work on designing superior inorganic and molecular materials for quantum applications.