Quantum state transfer for ion-based quantum networks

Tracy Northup
University of Innsbruck, Austria

An optical cavity can act as a quantum interface, enabling the coherent transfer of quantum information between light and matter. Such interfaces will be integral parts of future quantum networks, enabling quantum communication, quantum sensing, and distributed quantum computing. By coupling trapped ions to the vacuum field of an optical cavity, we have demonstrated building blocks for such networks, harnessing entanglement between ions and photons and realizing protocols for quantum state transfer.  Here, I will focus on the question of how to optimize the transfer of quantum states between distant cavities.