Quantum interface for telecom frequency conversion based on diamond-type atomic ensembles

Abstract: In a fiber-based quantum network, utilizing the telecom band is crucial for long-distance quantum information (QI) transmission between quantum nodes. However, the near-infrared wavelength is identified as optimal for processing and storing QI through alkaline atoms. Efficiently bridging the frequency gap between atomic quantum devices and telecom fibers while maintaining QI carried by photons is a challenge addressed by quantum frequency conversion (QFC) as a pivotal quantum interface. This study explores a telecom-band QFC mechanism using diamond-type four-wave mixing (FWM) with rubidium energy levels. The mechanism converts photons between the near-infrared wavelength of 795 nm and the telecom band of 1367 or 1529 nm. Applying the Heisenberg-Langevin approach, we optimize conversion efficiency (CE) across varying optical depths while considering quantum noises and present corresponding experimental parameters. Unlike previous works neglecting the applied field absorption loss, our results are more relevant to practical scenarios. Moreover, by employing the reduced-density-operator theory, we demonstrate that this diamond-type FWM scheme maintains quantum characteristics with high fidelity, unaffected by vacuum field noise, enabling high-purity QFC. Another significant contribution lies in examining how this scheme impacts QI encoded in photon-number, path, and polarization degrees of freedom. These encoded qubits exhibit remarkable entanglement retention under sufficiently high CE. In the case of perfect CE, the scheme can achieve unity fidelity. This comprehensive exploration provides theoretical support for the application of the diamond-type QFC scheme based on atomic ensembles in quantum networks, laying the essential groundwork for advancing the scheme in distributed quantum computing and long-distance quantum communication.