实用化量子网络的构建依赖于量子存储器的物理实现,利用量子存储器还可获得确定性的单光子源和纠缠光源,为量子计算实现量子比特操作的时间同步.基于稀土掺杂晶体的固态量子存储器,自2008年首次实现单光子存储后,实验技术迅速突破,已成为国际上性能最优秀的量子存储器件之一.本文介绍量子存储器性能的评价指标,回顾近5年固态量子存储的实验进展,并讨论固态量子存储器作为一种可灵活编程的介质在光学及基础物理理论检验等领域的应用.
Quantum memory is one of the fundamental building blocks for quantum networks. It can be used as a synchronization tool that matches various processes within a quantum computer, a tool to convert heralded photons to photons-on-demand and a quantum repeater for long-distance quantum communication. The rare-earth-ion doped crystal has been one of the best candidate systems for quantum memory. Here we report on the state-of-the-art developments in the field of solid state quantum memory, detail current perfomance levels and discuss potential applications of the developed techniques in other fields.