Quantum information processing at telecom wavelengths using mechanical resonators

Mechanical resonators have attracted significant attention for their potential use in quantum information processing tasks. Their unique ability to couple to a large variety of other quantum systems and the freedom to design their properties makes them ideally suited for tasks such as for compact quantum memories or as transducers between the microwave and optical domains. Their massive nature also makes them interesting candidates to study quantum physics on a new scale.

Here, we would like to discuss several experiments demonstrating non-classical behavior of mechanical motion by coupling a micro-fabricated acoustic resonator to single optical photons. Our approach is based on optomechanical crystals, with mechanical resonances in the Gigahertz regime that can be addressed optically from the conventional telecom band. In our measurements we show how these structures can be used as a mechanical quantum memory for photons and for quantum repeater tasks through the realization of a quantum teleportation protocol.