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Scalable Quantum Memory Control in Photonic Circuits
In a study published in “Nano Letters,” MIT and MITRE researchers describe an important advance in controlling spin quantum memories in photonic circuits. Their paper, “Selective and Scalable Control of Spin Quantum Memories in a Photonic Circuit,” offers a new approach for individual-qubit control even when the system is “under-actuated” — i.e., the number of control channels is smaller than the number of quantum memories on which individual gates should be applied.
The study demonstrates the integration of nitrogen-vacancy centers in diamond into programmable photonic integrated circuits (PICs), enabling precise control of individual spin qubits. This integration supports scalable and efficient quantum network operations.
Key to this breakthrough is the use of tunable magnetic field gradients and microwave pulse shaping for selective spin manipulation. This innovation could revolutionize scalable quantum networks, paving the way for advancements in quantum control for applications from computing to secure communication[1].
Figure: For the “underactuated control” problem of multiple spins controlled by one microwave field, we use optimal control methods to optimize the microwave waveform envelope.
[1] D. A. Golter et al., Selective and Scalable Control of Spin Quantum Memories in a Photonic Circuit, Nano Lett. 23, 7852 (2023).