Optical networks that distribute entanglement among various quantum systems will form a powerful framework for quantum science but are yet to interface with leading quantum hardware such as superconducting qubits. Consequently, these systems remain isolated because microwave links at room temperature are noisy and lossy. Building long distance connectivity requires interfaces that map quantum information between microwave and optical fields. While preliminary microwave-to-optical transducers have been realized, developing efficient, low-noise devices that match superconducting qubit frequencies (gigahertz) and bandwidths (10 kilohertz – 1 megahertz) remains a challenge. Here we demonstrate a proof-of-concept on-chip transducer using trivalent ytterbium-171 ions in yttrium orthovanadate coupled to a nanophotonic waveguide and a microwave transmission line. The device′s miniaturization, material, and zero-magnetic-field operation are important advances for rare-earth ion magneto-optical devices. Further integration with high quality factor microwave and optical resonators will enable efficient transduction and create opportunities toward multi-platform quantum networks.

在各种量子系统之间分布纠缠的光网络将形成量子科学的强大框架，但尚未与诸如超导量子位之类的领先量子硬件接口。因此，这些系统保持隔离状态，因为室温下的微波链路嘈杂且有损耗。建立长距离连接性需要接口在微波和光场之间映射量子信息。尽管已经实现了初步的微波至光学传感器，但要开发出与超导量子位频率（千兆赫兹）和带宽（10 kHz – 1兆赫兹）相匹配的高效，低噪声设备仍然是一项挑战。在这里，我们演示了在原钒酸钇中使用三价171离子与纳米光子波导和微波传输线耦合的概念验证传感器。该器件的小型化，材料化和零磁场操作是稀土离子磁光器件的重要进步。与高品质因数的微波和光谐振器的进一步集成将实现有效的转换，并为多平台量子网络创造机会。