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High-Performance Quantum Memory for Quantum Interconnects
Phys. Rev. Lett. 137, 070802 – Published 12 August, 2026
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1103/k35f-7k9s
Abstract
Single photons are the flying qubits of choice for distributing entanglement in a quantum internet. Quantum memories embedded in quantum repeaters are crucial to overcome transmission loss and enhance the rate of quantum communication. A multimode memory can further boost the channel capacity. However, benchmarking and building a practical quantum memory that simultaneously optimizes multiple performance metrics poses two key challenges. Here, we introduce quantum interconnect rate to comprehensively quantify quantum memories, and further demonstrate a high-performance quantum memory that simultaneously integrates three essential criteria at once: large multimode capacity, high efficiency, and high fidelity. Operating on 11-dimensional spatial modes, our memory achieves a uniform efficiency exceeding 80% and qubit storage fidelities above 99%, enabling the efficient storage of high-dimensional qudits. Based on these capabilities, we estimate a distribution of of quantum information over a 1000-km repeater link in one minute, highlighting a practical pathway toward scalable quantum interconnects and quantum networks.
Physics Subject Headings (PhySH)
synopsis
A Quantum Memory Test
Researchers propose a new way to evaluate the performance of quantum memory devices, which will be key components in a future quantum Internet.
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