Solid-State Quantum Memory Using Vibrator Strain Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing solid-state quantum memory systems face challenges in reducing size and power consumption due to the need for large superconducting coils to generate external magnetic fields for energy control.

Innovation Solution

A solid-state quantum memory system incorporating a vibrator supported on a substrate with a vibration exciter and an electronic two-level system formed from a rare-earth element, which uses dynamic strain to control energy levels without an external magnetic field, thereby reducing size and power consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If an external magnetic field is used to control energy levels in the electronic two-level system, then energy control and quantum state preservation are achieved, but the system size and power consumption increase due to the need for large superconducting coils

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvequantum state preservationVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the electromagnetic system (superconducting coils generating external magnetic fields) with a mechanical system (vibrator applying dynamic strain). The vibrator mechanically couples to the rare-earth element crystal, applying strain that modulates the energy levels of the electronic two-level system, thereby achieving energy control without magnetic fields and reducing power consumption and system size

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the control parameter from magnetic field strength to mechanical strain. By applying dynamic strain through the vibrator, the energy level splitting of the rare-earth element is controlled, achieving the same energy control function as magnetic fields but with significantly reduced power consumption and without requiring superconducting coils

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If an external magnetic field is used to control energy levels, then quantum memory functionality is achieved, but the overall system size increases due to large superconducting coils

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvequantum memory functionalityVSAvoidsystem size

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the bulky electromagnetic system (superconducting coils) with a compact mechanical vibrator. The vibrator directly couples to the rare-earth element crystal and applies mechanical strain to control energy levels, eliminating the need for large magnetic field generation equipment and significantly reducing system volume

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The vibrator serves multiple functions: it acts as a mechanical actuator to apply strain, a resonance element to achieve energy level control through vibrational modes, and a coupling mechanism to transfer mechanical energy to the rare-earth element crystal. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate magnetic field generation equipment, reducing overall system size

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-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

This approach enables efficient energy control of the electronic level with reduced size and power consumption, maintaining coherence and stability without the instability associated with magnetic fields, and allows for precise control of quantum states.

Implementation Method 1

a vibration exciter that excites the vibrator to vibrate

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVibration: Vibration

Implementation Method 2

uses dynamic strain to control energy levels

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectStrain: Deformation

Implementation Method 3

utilizing light absorption and emission characteristics of the electronic two-level systems

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight absorption: Absorption (EM radiation)

Implementation Method 4

utilizing light absorption and emission characteristics of the electronic two-level systems

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight emission: Luminescence

Implementation Method 5

hyperfine structure that arises due to electron-nuclear spin coupling

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHyperfine structure:

Implementation Method 6

Er becomes an ion with an energy level having Kramers degeneracy

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectKramers degeneracy:

Data Source

PatentUS20230054881A1Solid-State Quantum Memory

Publication Date: 2023.02.23 NIPPON TELEGRAPH & TELEPHONE CORP

AI summary

A solid-state quantum memory includes a vibrator supported in a displaceable (vibratable) manner on a substrate and a vibration exciter configured to excite the vibrator to vibrate. A rare-earth element is introduced into the vibrator and the introduced rare-earth element forms an electronic two-level system in the vibrator. The vibrator is supported on the substrate by a support. The substrate including a piezoelectric element formed from a piezoelectric material, as well as a first electrode and a second electrode formed by sandwiching the piezoelectric element, serves as the vibration exciter.