Suspended Crystalline Transducers for Quantum Signal Coherence

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for quantum computing face challenges in converting and storing quantum-level signals between optical, microwave, and acoustic forms due to issues with thermal noise, scalability, and coherence time, particularly in increasing the number of qubits in a quantum processor.

Innovation Solution

The use of suspended crystalline structures at the nanometer scale for transducing quantum signals between optical, microwave, and acoustic forms, employing opto-acoustic and electro-acoustic transducers with specific geometric designs and materials like silicon and piezoelectric overlays, to convert and store qubits in phonon memory with extended coherence time.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional methods are used to convert quantum signals between optical, microwave, and acoustic forms, then signal conversion can be achieved, but thermal noise limits coherence time and reliability

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoherence timeVSAvoidthermal noise

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces acoustic signals as an intermediary medium to bridge optical and microwave frequency domains. The acoustic intermediary enables quantum signal conversion between optical and microwave forms while isolating the system from thermal noise, thereby extending coherence time and improving reliability without direct thermal coupling.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If complex interconnect schemes are used to manage quantum signals, then signal routing is achieved, but device complexity and scalability are limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal routing capabilityVSAvoidinterconnect scheme complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical interconnect schemes with a unified acoustic field-based transduction system. By using acoustic signals as a common intermediary, the system achieves multi-frequency signal routing through a single integrated platform, reducing device complexity while maintaining adaptability between optical, microwave, and acoustic domains.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Power

If conventional transduction methods are used, then signal conversion between frequencies is achieved, but loss of energy and coherence occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal conversion efficiencyVSAvoidquantum coherence loss

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs parameter changes in the acoustic field to enable efficient quantum signal transduction. By tuning acoustic frequency parameters and utilizing phonon modes with specific dispersion relations, the system achieves coherent signal conversion between optical and microwave frequencies while minimizing energy loss and maintaining quantum state integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This approach enables efficient conversion and storage of quantum signals, overcoming thermal noise limitations and enhancing scalability by using acoustic intermediaries to transform signals between optical, microwave, and acoustic forms, thereby improving the coherence time and reducing noise impacts.

Implementation Method 1

a first suspended crystalline transducer that oscillates at a tuning frequency to convert the quantum signal between the quantum optical signal and a quantum acoustic signal

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOptomechanical coupling:

Implementation Method 2

a second suspended crystalline transducer that oscillates at the tuning frequency to convert the quantum signal between the quantum acoustic signal and a single-photon level microwave signal

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectroacoustic coupling:

Implementation Method 3

The piezoelectric material may include aluminum nitride

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPiezoelectric effect: Piezoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS12006206B2Techniques for bidirectional transduction of quantum level signals between optical and microwave frequencies using a common acoustic intermediary

Publication Date: 2024.06.11 CALIFORNIA INST OF TECH

AI summary

Embodiments described herein include systems and techniques for converting (i.e., transducing) a quantum-level (e.g., single photon) signal between the three wave forms (i.e., optical, acoustic, and microwave). A suspended crystalline structure is used at the nanometer scale to accomplish the desired behavior of the system as described in detail herein. Transducers that use a common acoustic intermediary transform optical signals to acoustic signals and vice versa as well as microwave signals to acoustic signals and vice versa. Other embodiments described herein include systems and techniques for storing a qubit in phonon memory having an extended coherence time. A suspended crystalline structure with specific geometric design is used at the nanometer scale to accomplish the desired behavior of the system.