Telecom photons stored for 180 microseconds in a new quantum memory

Researchers have achieved storage times of up to 180 μs for single photons heralding quantum information within a Pr3+:Y2SiO5 rare-earth ion doped crystal. This demonstration combines an atomic frequency comb spin-wave protocol with a XY4 spin-rephasing sequence, a technical approach previously elusive for absorptive quantum memories. The work represents a step toward scalable long-distance quantum repeater links, enabling coordination between distant nodes in a future quantum internet. "Researchers demonstrate a new quantum memory device that will enable faraway nodes in a network to coordinate in time," highlighting a key ingredient for distributed quantum computing, sensing, and secure communications. The demonstrated storage of telecom-heralded single photons for up…