Optical photon generation from a superconducting qubit

Superconducting circuits based on Josephson junctions emerged as a powerful platform for processing quantum information. However, these systems operate at low temperatures and microwave frequencies, and require a coherent interface with optical photons to transfer quantum information across long distances. In this talk, I will present our recent experiments demonstrating quantum transduction of a superconducting qubit excitation to an optical photon [1]. I will describe how we use mesoscopic mechanical oscillators in their quantum ground states to convert single photons from microwave frequencies to the optical domain. I will conclude by discussing the prospects of this approach for realizing future quantum networks based on superconducting quantum processors. [1] M. Mirhosseini*, A. Sipahigil*, M. Kalaee*, O. Painter, arXiv:2004.04838 (2020)