Time-Bin Qubit Conversion for Stable Photonic Interconnects

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing quantum computing and communication systems face challenges with stability, decoherence, fault tolerance, and scalability due to the integration of numerous passive and active photonic components, particularly in converting and transmitting qubits between different environments, which leads to different delays and phase changes.

Innovation Solution

A system that converts spatial-mode qubits to temporal-mode qubits using optical delay lines and synchronized switches, allowing transmission on a single optical fiber and back to spatial-mode qubits, ensuring consistent environmental conditions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If spatial-mode qubits are transmitted through optical interconnects between photonic integrated circuits, then qubit transmission is enabled, but different delays and phase changes occur causing instability and decoherence

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvequbit transmission stabilityVSAvoidqubit phase consistency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by converting qubits from spatial-mode to temporal-mode encoding. This transformation changes the fundamental parameters of qubit representation, allowing them to be transmitted through optical interconnects without suffering from differential delays and phase changes. The temporal-mode qubits are encoded in time bins rather than spatial paths, making them immune to the stability issues that plague spatial-mode transmission.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces temporal-mode conversion as an intermediary process between spatial-mode qubit generation and spatial-mode qubit detection. By converting to temporal-mode for transmission and then converting back to spatial-mode, the system uses this intermediate representation to bridge the gap between qubit sources and detectors while maintaining stability and reducing decoherence during transmission.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple photonic components are integrated into quantum systems, then system functionality is enhanced, but device complexity and susceptibility to environmental interference increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvequantum system functionalityVSAvoidphotonic component integration

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by designing photonic integrated circuits that can handle both spatial-mode and temporal-mode qubits. The same photonic components (waveguides, switches, delay lines) are used for both qubit manipulation and temporal-mode conversion, reducing the need for separate dedicated components and thereby lowering overall device complexity while maintaining enhanced functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Productivity

If spatial-mode qubits are used for quantum computation, then quantum operations can be performed, but decoherence occurs during transmission and processing

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvequantum computation efficiencyVSAvoidqubit coherence

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by transforming qubits from spatial-mode to temporal-mode encoding. This transformation changes the fundamental parameters of qubit representation, allowing them to be transmitted through optical interconnects without suffering from differential delays and phase changes. The temporal-mode qubits are encoded in time bins rather than spatial paths, making them immune to the stability issues that plague spatial-mode transmission.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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

Enhances stability and fault tolerance by synchronizing qubit generators and receivers, reducing decoherence and enabling efficient integration of photonic circuits for reliable quantum computations.

Implementation Method 1

converting a spatial-mode qubit to a temporal-mode qubit using an optical delay and a switch

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOptical delay:

Implementation Method 2

converting a spatial-mode qubit to a temporal-mode qubit using an optical delay and a switch

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOptical switching:

Implementation Method 3

a photonic qubit source configured to generate the photonic qubit

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhoton generation:

Implementation Method 4

transmitting, on an optical interconnect, the temporal-mode qubit from the first photonic integrated circuit to a second photonic integrated circuit

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOptical transmission: Optical Fibre

Data Source

PatentUS12566355B2Time-bin qubit converter

Publication Date: 2026.03.03 PSIQUANTUM CORP

AI summary

A system includes a first photonic integrated circuit. The circuit includes a qubit encoder configured to receive a spatial-mode qubit and convert the spatial-mode qubit to a temporal-mode qubit and an optical interconnect configured to receive and transmit the temporal-mode qubit. The system further includes a second photonic integrated circuit, itself including a qubit decoder configured to receive the temporal-mode qubit and convert the temporal-mode qubit back into the spatial-mode qubit.