Stoichiometric Rare-Earth Ion Materials for Quantum Memory Devices
Abstract: The long optical and spin coherence properties of rare-earth ions in solids makes them a promising platform for quantum information devices. In particular, quantum memories for long-distance quantum communication. In commercially doped materials, inhomogeneous broadening of the optical transition due to defects in the solid makes the long-lived spin states optically inaccessible. The dominant source of this broadening is the rare-earth dopant ions themselves. We propose that using stoichiometric materials - materials in which the atoms appear in proportion to their chemical formula (i.e. 100% doping) - should provide inhomogeneous linewidths narrow enough to optically resolve the long-lived spin states. Here we present our previous findings, preliminary results, and direction going forward with stoichiometric materials based on europium.
