A modular trapped ion node for long distance quantum networking

Trapped ions are prime candidates for nodes of a quantum network. A short distance network with two trapped ion-based nodes has previously been demonstrated [1]. However, due to high in-fiber photon loss experienced between the networking nodes, this internode distance has yet to increase. Recent work demonstrating quantum frequency conversion of photons emitted from a single trapped ion system to the near-infrared and telecom bands reduces these in-fiber losses, opening a pathway to extend trapped ion-based networking ranges [2,3,4]. Here, we report our progress towards constructing a modular quantum networking node using a commercially packaged, high optical access surface electrode trap with barium ions. Our node incorporates qubit control and the required quantum frequency conversion to extend a trapped ion-based network from meters to tens of kilometers. 

[1] Stephenson, L. J. et al. Phys. Rev. Lett. 124, 110501 (2020)

[2] Bock, M. et al. Nat. Commun. 9:1998 (2018)

[3] Craddock, A. N. et al. Phys. Rev. Lett. 123, 213601 (2019)

[4] Krutyanskiy, V. et al.. npj Quantum Information 5:72 (2019)