Ensemble based advanced quantum light matter interfaces

Objective

The ability to transfer information between light and material memories and processors has led to a technological revolution in the way information is processed and communicated. Now scientists are going one step further by harnessing the coherent and reversible transfer of quantum information between matter and light, enabling the realization of a quantum memory for light. This will allow the realization of quantum information networks, which hold promise for revolutionary advances in information processing. Demonstrations of photonic quantum memories have been reported. Yet, with their limited properties, they can only be seen as proof of principle. The goal of this project is to turn quantum memories into a practical useful quantum device. The main scientific objective is to demonstrate ensemble based novel quantum light matter interfaces with enhanced capabilities and unprecedented properties. Two quantum physical systems will be investigated: solid state quantum memories implemented with rare-earth doped solids and cold atomic gases. These quantum memories will be used to explore new avenues in the quantum control of matter-matter entanglement. Progress beyond the state of the art will go along three ways: (1) the demonstration of long lived and robust entanglement between two remote solid state quantum memories. These systems will facilitate the scalability and integration in large scale quantum networks. (2) The demonstration of a quantum gate between two collective matter qubits stored in cold atomic ensembles. This requires the quantum control of single collective atomic Rydberg excitations. (3) The demonstration of entanglement between a solid state quantum memory and a cold atomic ensemble. This would provide the first example of entanglement between different quantum material objects and would pave the way towards hybrid quantum networks. These results will open new avenues towards the practical realization of scalable quantum networks and repeaters.

Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)

CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.

• social sciences political sciences political transitions revolutions
• engineering and technology electrical engineering, electronic engineering, information engineering electronic engineering computer hardware quantum computers
• natural sciences computer and information sciences data science data processing

Programme(s)

Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.

• FP7-IDEAS-ERC - Specific programme: "Ideas" implementing the Seventh Framework Programme of the European Community for research, technological development and demonstration activities (2007 to 2013)

Topic(s)

Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.

• ERC-SG-PE2 - ERC Starting Grant - Fundamental constituents of matter

Call for proposal

Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.

ERC-2011-StG_20101014
See other projects for this call

Funding Scheme

Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.

ERC-SG - ERC Starting Grant

Host institution

Beneficiaries (1)