Nonlinear Waveguide Coupling Microwave to Optical Signals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing microwave-to-optical converters for quantum applications suffer from low coupling efficiency, limited bandwidth, and the introduction of thermal noise, making them unsuitable for robust information transfer between quantum computers.
Innovation Solution
A non-resonator, memory-free apparatus that efficiently couples microwave and optical signals using non-linear materials in a cavity-less configuration, allowing for high bandwidth and low noise conversion of microwave photons to optical photons.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If resonant microwave and resonant optical structures are used for conversion, then coupling efficiency can be improved, but the bandwidth becomes limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the resonant structures from the conversion system. By extracting the resonant microwave cavity and resonant optical cavity, the system eliminates the bandwidth limitations inherent in resonant systems while maintaining conversion functionality through direct interaction between microwave photons and optical photons in the non-linear material.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from static resonant structures with fixed frequency responses to a dynamic system that can handle a broad range of microwave frequencies. The non-resonant waveguide configuration allows the system to adapt to different input frequencies without requiring retuning, enabling broadband operation.
2Reliability
If mechanical transducers are used for efficient conversion, then coupling efficiency is improved, but thermal noise is substantially added
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical transducers (which involve moving parts and phonon-mediated conversion) with a direct photonic conversion system. Microwave photons interact directly with optical photons through the non-linear optical material, eliminating mechanical intermediaries that generate thermal noise. This substitution achieves efficient conversion without the thermal noise penalty of mechanical systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a non-linear optical material as an intermediary that enables direct energy transfer between microwave photons and optical photons. This intermediary facilitates efficient conversion while avoiding the thermal noise generation associated with mechanical transducers, as the interaction occurs through quantum electrodynamic processes rather than mechanical motion.
3Reliability
If quantum information is stored during conversion, then conversion can be achieved, but delay occurs and coupling efficiency is impacted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the storage step in the conversion process by implementing direct photon-to-photon conversion. Microwave photons are converted to optical photons in a single pass through the non-linear material without being stored in quantum memory, thereby eliminating the time delay associated with storage and retrieval operations while maintaining conversion capability.
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 high coupling efficiency and broad bandwidth, enabling reliable information transfer between quantum computers and supporting the operation of quantum logic gates with high fidelity.
Implementation Method 1
efficient coupling between a microwave signal and an optical signal... The apparatus may comprise a non-linear material arranged to enable efficient coupling between the microwave signal and the optical signal
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus (1) is proposed for providing coupling between at least a first input signal with a first signal frequency, and a second input signal with a second, different signal frequency. The apparatus comprises: a first input port (3); a second input port (5); a first output port (9); a second output port (11); a first waveguide (13); a second waveguide (15), the second waveguide (15) being made of or comprising non-linear material such that a first electromagnetic field generated by a first-waveguide signal in the first waveguide (13) and a second electromagnetic field generated by a second-waveguide signal in the second waveguide (15) are arranged to overlap in the non-linear material; a periodic structure (31, 33); and a phase-matching arrangement (37).