Fundamental limitations in spin-ensemble quantum memories for cavity fields

Abstract: Inhomogeneously broadened spin ensembles play an important role in present-day implementation of hybrid quantum processing architectures. When coupled to a resonator such an ensemble may serve as a multi-mode quantum memory for the resonator field, and by employing spin-refocusing techniques the quantum memory time can be extended to the coherence time of individual spins in the ensemble. In the present paper we investigate such a memory protocol capable of storing an unknown resonator-field state, and we examine separately the various constituents of the protocol: the storage and read-out part, the memory hold time with the spin ensemble and resonator field decoupled, and the parts employing spin refocusing techniques. Using both analytical and numerical methods we derive how the obtainable memory performance scales with various physical parameters.