Researchers store quantum data on chip for over a microsecond

University of Illinois engineers created a chip-based quantum memory that can store photon-based quantum information for more than one microsecond. Using erbium atoms embedded in thin-film lithium niobate, their device maintained quantum state fidelity well above typical integrated platforms. The team says it’s the first to combine this level of storage time with a scalable chip manufacturing method. Practical use will depend on boosting retrieval efficiency and making storage last even longer.

• Stored quantum info on chip for 1+ microsecond
• Used erbium in thin-film lithium niobate platform
• Device preserves quantum state fidelity
• Potential for large-scale chip manufacturing
• Photon retrieval efficiency needs improvement