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TUE: Tuesday Contributed Sessions

TUE 2: Quantum Networks: Technologies

TUE 2.5: Talk

Tuesday, September 9, 2025, 15:15–15:30, ZHG002

Quantum networking with microfabricated atomic vapor cells — •Roberto Mottola, Gianni Buser, Suyash Gaikwad, and Philipp Treutlein — Universität Basel, Basel, Schweiz

Quantum memories for photons are building blocks of quantum networks. Memories implemented in hot alkali vapor are attractive as they operate due to their technological simplicity and have been proven to perform well in a multitude of figures of merit [1]. In [2] we report on an elementary, hybrid network interconnect. We combine a low-noise quantum memory implemented in hot Rb vapor based on electromagnetically induced transparency with a tailored downconversion source. By spin polarizing the atomic ensemble and exploiting polarization selection rules we were able to significantly reduce the noise of the memory. This allowed us to observe for the first time a non-classical g_ret⁽²⁾ for photons stored and retrieved in a broadband, ground-state alkali vapor quantum memory - yielding a measured g_ret⁽²⁾ = 0.177(23) well below the classical limit of 1. Realistic visions of large-scale networks require a scalable and mass-producible platform. In this respect, microfabricated vapor cells are very promising. MEMS fabrication techniques have already been successfully used to miniaturize atomic quantum sensors, as atomic clocks, magnetometers, and gyroscopes. We report on the first implementation of an alkali vapor memory in microfabricated Rb cells compatible with wafer-scale mass production [3] - a crucial step towards scalability. [1] C. Simon et al., Eur. Phys. J. D 58, 1–22 (2010). [2] G. Buser et al., PRX Quantum 3, 020349 (2022). [3] R. Mottola et al., Phys. Rev. Lett. 131, 260801 (2023).

Keywords: Quantum Memory; Hot Alkali Vapors; Quantum Networks; Hybrid Interconnect; MEMS