Mechanical Resonator for Coherent Microwave to Optical Conversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current microwave-to-optical frequency conversion devices fail to achieve unitary and coherent frequency conversion, essential for preserving energy and phase in quantum information transduction between the two domains.
Innovation Solution
A frequency conversion apparatus comprising a mechanical resonator that modulates both the optical and microwave resonance frequencies by changing the optical cavity length and Josephson inductance, respectively, using a SQUID and pickup coil configuration, enabling unitary frequency conversion between the microwave and optical domains.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional frequency conversion devices are used, then frequency conversion between microwave and optical domains is achieved, but the conversion is not unitary and coherent, failing to preserve energy and phase in quantum information
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a mechanical resonator as an intermediary element that couples the microwave and optical domains. The mechanical resonator acts as a mediator that enables coherent energy exchange between microwave photons and optical photons through its quantized mechanical modes, preserving quantum information coherence during frequency conversion.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parametric modulation by varying the mechanical resonator's frequency and coupling parameters. By dynamically adjusting the interaction strength between the mechanical resonator and the microwave/optical fields, the system achieves unitary conversion while maintaining quantum coherence through controlled parameter changes.
2Reliability
If a mechanical resonator is used to modulate both optical and microwave resonance frequencies, then unitary frequency conversion is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical resonator serves multiple functions simultaneously: it modulates the optical cavity resonance frequency, modulates the microwave resonator resonance frequency, and mediates the quantum interaction between optical and microwave photons. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the optical modulation mechanism and microwave modulation mechanism into a single integrated system where one mechanical resonator controls both the optical cavity length and the microwave resonator parameters, simplifying the overall device architecture despite the advanced functionality.
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
The apparatus achieves near-unitary frequency conversion, allowing for efficient and coherent transduction of quantum information between the microwave and optical domains, suitable for applications in quantum communication and processing.
Implementation Method 1
The first mirror is fixed to the mechanical resonator such that the first mirror is moved to change an optical length of the optical cavity according to the displacement of the mechanical resonator, where changing the optical length changes an optical resonance frequency of the optical resonator
Implementation Method 2
a microwave resonator positioned to move according to the displacement of the mechanical resonator such that moving the mechanical resonator changes a Josephson inductance of the microwave resonator, thereby changing a microwave resonance frequency of the microwave resonator
Implementation Method 3
The pickup coil is positioned to move according to the displacement of the mechanical resonator such that moving the pickup coil changes a total magnetic flux received by the pickup coil
Data Source
AI summary
A technique relates to frequency conversion. A mechanical resonator is configured to oscillate at a mechanical resonance frequency with a displacement in an axis. An optical resonator includes a first mirror opposite a second mirror in which an optical cavity is formed between. The first mirror is fixed to the mechanical resonator such that the first mirror is moved to change an optical length of the optical cavity according to the displacement of the mechanical resonator. Changing the optical length changes an optical resonance frequency of the optical resonator. A microwave resonator is positioned to move according to the displacement of the mechanical resonator such that moving the mechanical resonator changes a Josephson inductance of the microwave resonator, thereby changing a microwave resonance frequency of the microwave resonator.