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  • Open Access

Quantum memristor with vacuum-one-photon qubits

Simone Di Micco*, Beatrice Polacchi*, Taira Giordani†, and Fabio Sciarrino

  • *These authors contributed equally to this work.
  • †Contact author: taira.giordani@uniroma1.it
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Phys. Rev. Research 7, 043131 – Published 4 November, 2025

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1103/4kpy-xfq2

Abstract

Quantum memristors represent a promising interface between quantum and neuromorphic computing, combining the nonlinear, memory-dependent behavior of classical memristors with the properties of quantum states. An optical quantum memristor can be realized with a vacuum-one-photon qubit entering a tunable beam splitter whose reflectivity is adapted according to the mean number of photons in the device. In this work, we report on the experimental implementation of a bulk quantum-optical memristor, working with single-rail coherent superposition states in the Fock basis, generated via a resonantly excited quantum dot single-photon source. We demonstrate that the coherence of the input state is preserved by the quantum memristor. Moreover, our modular platform allows investigating the nonlinear behavior arising from a cascade of two quantum memristors, a building block for larger networks of such devices toward the realization of complex neuromorphic quantum architectures.

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Phys. Rev. Research 7, 043131– Published 4 November, 2025
  • Received 19 March 2025
  • Accepted 22 September 2025
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