Silicon Photonic Quantum Memory with Micro-Ring Resonator Tuning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing quantum storage architectures require cryogenic temperatures and complex system support setups, limiting their practicality and scalability.
Innovation Solution
Development of solid-state quantum memory devices that operate at room temperature, utilizing a micro-ring resonator, frequency tuner, and magnetic field generator, enabling quantum information storage and retrieval without cryogenic requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing quantum storage architectures are used, then quantum information can be stored, but cryogenic temperatures and complex system support setups are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the requirement for cryogenic temperature systems and vacuum environments from quantum storage architectures. By using room-temperature operating quantum memory devices integrated with semiconductor photonic circuits, the complex support infrastructure (cryostats, vacuum chambers) is removed while retaining quantum information storage capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operating temperature parameter from cryogenic conditions to room temperature. This parameter change enables quantum storage functionality without requiring complex thermal management systems, directly reducing device complexity while maintaining storage reliability
2Reliability
If existing quantum storage architectures are used, then quantum information can be stored, but cryogenic temperatures are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent fundamentally changes the operating temperature parameter from cryogenic ranges to room temperature. This is achieved through the use of specific quantum memory materials and photonic circuit designs that maintain quantum coherence and functionality at elevated temperatures, eliminating the need for complex cooling infrastructure
3Adaptability or versatility
If room-temperature operation is enabled, then integration into communication systems is facilitated, but new device architectures must be developed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges quantum memory functionality with semiconductor photonic circuits into a single integrated device. This combination allows room-temperature operation and direct integration with existing communication systems while leveraging established semiconductor manufacturing processes to reduce development complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal quantum memory device that can be integrated with standard semiconductor photonic circuits. This multi-functional approach enables the device to operate in communication systems while using conventional manufacturing techniques, reducing the barrier to adoption
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 efficient quantum information storage and retrieval at room temperature, facilitating scalable and practical quantum communication applications.
Implementation Method 1
a micro-ring resonator, configured to store photons
Implementation Method 2
a magnetic field generator configured to generate a magnetic field in the micro-ring resonator
Data Source
AI summary
A quantum memory device includes: a waveguide configured to spatially confine paths of photons therein; a memory cell that includes a micro-ring resonator (MRR), a frequency tuner, and a quantum memory material portion, wherein the MRR includes a first segment that is parallel to a segment of the waveguide, wherein the frequency tuner is configured to modulate a photon resonance frequency in the MRR by modifying an effective refractive index within, or around, a second segment of the MRR, and wherein the quantum memory material portion includes a quantum memory material having a ground state and an excitation state that stores photons therein and located within or on a third segment of the MRR; and a control circuit configured to modulate the photon resonance wavelength in the MRR during a first step of a photon capture operation to match a predefined wavelength, and to generate captured photons in the MRR.