Quantum electro-optic converter

Stanford researchers developed a device that converts microwave signals (quantum logic) to optical signals using a silicon-on-lithium-niobate photonic crystal cavity. They integrated nonlinear materials with silicon photonic circuits and superconducting quantum electronics using nanophontonic fabrication techniques. Their quantum electro-optic modulator bridges superconducting microwave and optical domains, a key to quantum computing and communications.

SEM image of silicon-on-lithium-niobate photonic crystal with electrodes

Stage of research
Researchers have demonstrated high-Q electro-optically tunable photonic resonators on a chip with loss rates smaller than previously reported in lithium niobate microresonators. They will combine these signal converters with superconducting quantum circuits to enable high bit-rate connectivity between nodes in quantum communication networks.