Quantum Frequency Conversion for Low-Noise Trapped Ion Telecom Links
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Solution Overview
Problem
Trapped ion quantum networks are limited in range due to photon emission at ultra-violet and visible wavelengths, leading to high fiber-optic propagation losses and preventing integration into existing telecommunications infrastructure.
Innovation Solution
A quantum modem system utilizing quantum frequency conversion to convert photons emitted by trapped ions into telecommunication wavelengths (1260 nm to 1675 nm) with ultra-low noise, using multiple non-linear media and pump lasers to generate entangled photons with high signal integrity, and filter out noise photons.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If photons are emitted at ultra-violet and visible wavelengths from trapped ions, then direct entanglement with ground-state qubits is achieved, but fiber-optic propagation losses increase and network range is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by converting the wavelength parameter of photons from ultra-violet/visible range (300-700 nm) to telecommunication range (1260-1675 nm) through quantum frequency conversion. This parameter transformation allows photons to maintain their quantum properties while adapting to a wavelength regime with lower fiber-optic propagation losses, enabling long-distance quantum communication.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary quantum frequency conversion process that mediates between the trapped ion photon source and the fiber-optic transmission medium. This intermediary conversion process, using non-linear optical crystals and pump lasers, transforms photons to compatible wavelengths without direct interaction between the ion and the fiber, thereby resolving the mismatch between emission wavelength and transmission window.
2Reliability
If photons are emitted at ultra-violet and visible wavelengths, then quantum entanglement is generated, but integration into existing telecommunications infrastructure is prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the wavelength parameter of photons to match the standard telecommunication bands (O-band: 1260-1360 nm, C-band: 1530-1565 nm, L-band: 1625-1675 nm). This parameter adaptation enables compatibility with existing fiber-optic infrastructure, optical amplifiers, and telecommunication networks while preserving quantum entanglement properties.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent achieves universality by making the quantum photon source compatible with multiple existing telecommunication infrastructure components. The frequency-converted photons can propagate through standard single-mode fibers, be amplified using existing optical amplifiers, and interface with conventional telecommunication equipment, thereby enabling quantum networks to leverage existing infrastructure.
3Loss of energy
If quantum frequency conversion is applied to convert photons to telecommunication wavelengths, then fiber-optic propagation losses are reduced, but noise photons are introduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes noise photons generated during quantum frequency conversion through spectral filtering. By separating the desired signal photons from the noise photons in the frequency domain using optical filters, the system retrieves a clean quantum signal suitable for high-fidelity quantum communication while maintaining the benefits of telecommunication wavelength conversion.
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
Enables long-distance quantum communication through optical fibers with signal-to-noise ratios of at least 1, facilitating integration into existing telecommunications infrastructure and enabling distributed quantum computing.
Implementation Method 1
A quantum modem system utilizing quantum frequency conversion to convert photons emitted by trapped ions into telecommunication wavelengths (1260 nm to 1675 nm)
Implementation Method 2
The first quantum frequency conversion device can include a first non-linear medium. In some embodiments, the first quantum frequency conversion device can be configured to interact second photons with one of the first entangled photons in the first non-linear medium to create a third photon
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes a trapped ion, a single-photon source, or a quantum emitter configured to emit a first entangled photon and a plurality of quantum frequency conversion stages configured to convert the first entangled photon to a telecommunication photon (1260 nm to 1675 nm). Each quantum frequency conversion stage includes a corresponding pump laser, configured to interact with an incoming photon, that creates an output photon having a frequency that is at least 12 THz higher than a frequency of the pump laser, such that each quantum frequency conversion stage has a signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of at least 1. Advantageously the system can provide an ultra-low noise quantum frequency conversion scheme to generate telecommunication photons (1260 nm to 1675 nm) entangled with photons from a quantum source (e.g., trapped ion, single-photon source, quantum emitter), a high signal integrity, and scalable long-distance telecommunication quantum networks.